Toto Wolff snubs Max Verstappen, names his ‘first option’ to replace Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes
Toto Wolff has expressed his admiration for Max Verstappen on several occasions.
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Max Verstappen, Toto Wolff, and Lewis Hamilton (via IMAGO)
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff faces the daunting task of finding a replacement for Lewis Hamilton for the 2025 season. Hamilton announced a blockbuster move to Ferrari at the start of this season after spending 12 years with the Silver Arrows.
Since the news of Lewis Hamilton‘s departure, the Brackley-based team has been linked to several rumors for their future driver. One of the major names is three-time world champion Max Verstappen, who leads the title race this campaign.
However, Toto Wolff has clarified his stance on putting a key emphasis on promoting F2 sensation Andrea Kimi Antonelli next season. The 17-year-old competes for Prema Racing and has been a promising academy driver for Mercedes.
My first option right now is Kimi. The alternative scenario is Max, but it doesn't seem like that's going to happen.Toto Wolff via an interview at Spa-Francorchamps
?| Toto Wolff: "My first option right now is Kimi."
— F1_MercHub (@F1MercHub) July 27, 2024
"The alternative scenario is Max, but it doesn't seem like that's going to happen."
[@KimiAntonelliFR] pic.twitter.com/0zf1bLNHN8
Max Verstappen is on a contract with Red Bull until 2028, which makes his move an unlikely scenario for Mercedes. Wolff will therefore look to nurture one of Mercedes’s homegrown talents to make him a suitable candidate for 2025.
Lewis Hamilton hails Red Bull and Max Verstappen as quickest ahead of Belgian GP
Lewis Hamilton qualified P3 after Max Verstappen’s 10-place grid penalty at Spa-Francorchamps. The 39-year-old has spoken of Verstappen’s raw pace and abilities ahead of the upcoming 44-lap Grand Prix.
Obviously, Max is going to make his way through because I think they are the quickest this weekend. So holding on to the podium is going to be a hell of a fight - but I'm ready for it.Lewis Hamilton told SkySports F1
Verstappen starts in P11 at the Belgian Grand Prix but was the fastest overall in qualifying. Hamilton has therefore claimed that the 26-year-old will be ruthless in powering his way up through the grid to improve his victory chances.
The seven-time world champion has been on a good run and will fancy his chances as well around the 7.004-kilometer track. All in all, the Belgian GP is going to be an exciting affair ahead of the 2024 summer break.
In case you missed it:
- Oscar Piastri expects Sergio Perez to ‘bring the fight’ in Belgian GP amidst his Red Bull sacking rumors
- “A damage limitation race,” Max Verstappen rules out any hopes of a Belgian GP triumph
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Yashraj Chowdhury
(599 Articles Published)