Verstappen: Mercedes? I am happy at Red Bull
Max Verstappen, three-time world champion and current leader in the F1 championship, pointed out that there are almost no chances of him moving to Mercedes.
Recently, rumors have been fueled by Toto Wolff, the head of Mercedes, who has repeatedly expressed his desire to have Max Verstappen on his team, that Verstappen might be on the Mercedes doorstep. Even George Russell added to the story, stating that he wouldn’t mind being on the same team as Max.
Reports indicate that Mercedes is preparing a £128 million-a-year offer to attract Verstappen to the Silver Arrows, surpassing Hamilton’s £80m-a-year deal with the Scuderia. Former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher predicted Verstappen would leave.
Max Verstappen and Mercedes:
— F1_MercHub (@F1MercHub) May 8, 2024
Max Verstappen apparently wants to wait until he wins his fourth championship, and then have talks with Mercedes.
He knows he will have a winning car in 2025, but the question remains about what 2026 will be like. Therefore, he could also sign with… pic.twitter.com/zhFqxkVZb3
However, Max Verstappen has clarified that he is not interested in that option.
“At the moment, I can say I would like to stay with the team because I believe in the project we have, with everybody we have involved. In sport and also life, you don’t know what’s going to happen in the future,” said Verstappen.
Verstappen pointed out that he has no great desire for a new challenge.
“Why should I leave the team with which I am in the best position and which I believe can dominate for a long time?... I know myself, and if I’m driving for P5 or P6, I get quite grumpy with myself. It’s always about performances at the end of the day, everyone knows that and Toto also knows that.” stated Verstappen.
The Formula 1 championship continues next weekend in Imola, Italy.