Former F1 driver claims Mercedes should not be stopped by ‘legal or monetary obstacles’ in pursuit of Max Verstappen

Toto Wolff is currently looking for drivers to fill in the seat of Lewis Hamilton after 2025. Max Verstappen could be the ideal replacement for Hamilton, albeit at a high cost.

Former F1 driver claims Mercedes should not be stopped by ‘legal or monetary obstacles’ in pursuit of Max Verstappen

Toto Wolff [L] and Max Verstappen [R] (images via IMAGO)

Max Verstappen put forth one of the greatest performances ever in the history of Formula 1. The three-time world champion was untouched by any other driver on the grid in terms of pace and performance down the season. Hence, for the 2024 season, Former F1 driver Christian Danner has some piece of advice for Mercedes’ principal Toto Wolff.

Mercedes had a rollercoaster of a performance in 2023 with a lot of ups and downs. Primarily, the team was unable to manage any race victories down the season against Red Bull. Additionally, following Lewis Hamilton‘s bombshell move to Ferrari, Wolff is actively looking for a driver to fill in the seat of the seven-time world champion.

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Christian Danner explained that every driver available to be acquired would need to be looked at down the season. Apart from this, Danner highlighted that Wolff shouldn’t think about monetary or legal issues while selecting Verstappen as the replacement driver for Lewis Hamilton. Hence, acquiring the Dutchman by 2025 could be a possibility for the Silver Arrows. It must be noted that Max Verstappen’s current contract with Red Bull extends till 2028.

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Every name must be discussed! It can only be about whether a driver is a reinforcement or not. There must be no legal or monetary obstacles.
Danner told bild.de.

Mercedes has to think of Max Verstappen in their arsenal

F1 drivers need to present their best performance in subsequent seasons to give a serious challenge to the reigning world champion throughout the season. Hence, being George Russell‘s teammate should provide a chance to contend for the championship, rather than a smooth sailing victory. Hence, Danner also mentioned other qualities about Max Verstappen that are important for a top team in F1.

Max Verstappen winning the Las Vegas GP.
Max Verstappen winning the Las Vegas GP (via IMAGO)

According to Danner, the age of the driver didn’t matter, and neither did the contracts when it came to choosing Verstappen as the second driver for Mercedes. Hence, Brackley needs to think about the reigning world champion and then finalize him in their arsenal, to present the sport with great racing actions down the season.

Age doesn't matter either. The same applies to contracts. Every driver who has a silver arrow level must be an issue. That's why Mercedes has to think of Max Verstappen!

Regardless, Hamilton will finish the 2024 season as a Mercedes driver and try to provide his best for the team. The Briton would try his best to challenge the world champion during the races. But time will tell about W15’s performance and capabilities that will be provided for the soon-to-be former Mercedes driver.

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