Toto Wolff makes Verstappen his number 1 choice to replace Hamilton
Who will replace Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes in 2025? Even if the transfer season has not officially started, rumors are rife. Toto Wolff has unveiled a list of drivers who could take this seat.
This is the “puzzle of the season” for Toto Wolff, team principal at Mercedes, who must find a replacement for the seven-time world champion, who caught his team off guard this winter by signing with Ferrari.
Toto Wolff clearly indicated that his first choice was Max Verstappen, stating to Fox Sports Australia during the last Grand Prix that it must happen at some point.
Even though Verstappen is under contract with Red Bull until the end of 2028, the Dutchman could be tempted to join the German team. The ongoing Horner case has put the Red Bull team internally to the test, and frictions have emerged between Jos Verstappen and the Red Bull boss.
Moreover, Helmut Marko’s future is directly linked to that of the current world champion.
« I think we need to look at ourselves and ask what we can do with this car. Then, it becomes much easier, regardless of who is driving the second car, it has become easier for George because he has the potential to be a world champion and much more », he explained to the Australian media.
Mercedes does not lack choice.
« There are several options, from young promising drivers to those with more experience. » However, he assures that: « I want to take my time to make the right decision. Nothing will happen in the coming weeks or months, I want to continue studying the market, I plan to make a decision this summer.
Other options have been mentioned, such as Carlos Sainz, who is having an impressive start to the season, notably winning the Australian GP only two weeks after his appendicitis operation.
The experienced Fernando Alonso is also in Toto Wolff’s shortlist, he considers him as a very appealing option.
And if Mercedes bet on youth? For some time now, we have been talking about the case of young Kimi Antonelli, a Mercedes driver, competing in F2 with Prema, alongside Oliver Bearman, who recently excelled in F1 behind the wheel of Ferrari. He is a promising talent who could shine in a Formula 1 car.
