Mercedes and Toto Wolff have made their move for Red Bull star Max Verstappen.
Mercedes have reportedly offered Max Verstappen a long-term and lucrative contract to prise him away from Red Bull and replace the outgoing Lewis Hamilton. The Dutchman’s future has been in doubt as a result of the ongoing Christian Horner saga, with the Silver Arrows best placed to pounce.
F1-insider claim that Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has the overwhelming support from the team in his bid to sign Verstappen. Over 90 per cent of employees want to work with the three-time world champion after Wolff made his intentions public, which follow Hamilton deciding to leave for Ferrari at the end of the season.
Mercedes is also offering an advertising ambassador contract which is deemed ‘hard to refuse’ by Verstappen and his camp, who are seriously considering joining George Russell. Verstappen has a contract with Red Bull until 2028, but he and senior advisor Helmut Marko reportedly added a secret exit clause that would allow him to leave if Marko leaves.
However, Verstappen is aware that he would likely have to at least partially sacrifice his 2025 campaign should he join Mercedes. Hamilton and Russell have both lamented the performance issues plaguing their W15 vehicles, which have failed to compare to the Red Bull car Verstappen is currently riding in.
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