Andrea Kimi Antonelli, a promising young driver, has been confirmed to drive for the Mercedes Formula 1 team next season. This decision comes as a result of team principal Toto Wolff needing to find a replacement for Lewis Hamilton, who will be moving to Ferrari.
When Wolff was asked about the possibility of Max Verstappen joining Mercedes, he responded in a cryptic manner, avoiding giving a direct answer. This has sparked speculation about potential future developments in the driver lineup for the team.
Despite persistent rumors of Max Verstappen potentially switching to Mercedes, it has been confirmed before the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort that the Red Bull driver will remain with the Austrian constructor through 2025. Mercedes, led by Toto Wolff, had made several attempts to secure Verstappen to fill the seat alongside George Russell, but those efforts ultimately proved unsuccessful. Verstappen’s commitment to Red Bull ends speculation about a move to Mercedes, leaving the team’s lineup for 2025 still unresolved.
Wolff gets question about Verstappen
During a press event attended by GPblog, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff was asked what he would do if Max Verstappen suddenly expressed interest in joining Mercedes. Wolff skillfully dodged the question, emphasizing his appreciation for straightforward and transparent dealings. He mentioned that he doesn’t “flirt outside,” suggesting that he stays focused on his current team and drivers.
Wolff also reflected on how he might have been caught off guard by the Lewis Hamilton situation, where he didn’t engage in discussions with other drivers while trying to make the team successful. He made it clear that Mercedes’ current focus is entirely on their drivers, George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli, with no distractions about potential moves in 2026. For now, the priority is on the upcoming seasons of 2024 and 2025.
