Toto Wolff has remained tight-lipped regarding the future driver lineup of Mercedes in Formula 1 with the impending exit of seven time champion Lewis Hamilton at the end of the season.
With Formula 1’s silly season well underway, the rumour mill has been running at full pace regarding George Russell’s 2025 teammate at Mercedes. One standout possibility is that of a dominant Max Verstappen joining the marque upon Lewis Hamilton’s exit at the end of the 2024 season.
Speaking following last weekend’s Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona, Mercedes team principal was cautious not to give too much away when asked about the team’s future, especially regarding the possibility of a move from the reigning champion. When asked directly of the possibility, Wolff diverted the question.
“No, I think we need to just continue to improve and look at ourselves.” Wolff replied when quizzed about Verstappen joining the team. “Most important is as a team with our drivers, Lewis and George. We’ve just got to get better and hopefully consolidate our ability to be on the podium and at a certain stage be able to win races on our own.
“If you have a good car, good drivers would want to come.”
The Mercedes man went on to flatly deny any talks with Verstappen were taking place when pushed on the subject, once again stating the team’s goal to develop their package with the aim of contending for victories.
“No, there’s no talks that are taking place at [this]stage.” He claimed. “I think we need to look on ourselves and on improving the car.”
When pushed on the subject of the team’s future driver once again, Wolff explained that the team aims to keep their options open for as long as possible before making a decision on who will join Russell at the team next season. This comes following a rumour which gained traction last week that the team had chosen F2 driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli, who is part of Mercedes young driver stable.
Antonelli is currently considered to be the team’s most likely option, considering his existing relationship with Mercedes and his experience in the W12.
“No, no driver decision has been made.” Wolff said “And I said we want to keep this decision as long as possible. Because who knows, you know what happens?”
