Mercedes Formula 1 boss Toto Wolff has suggested that “other factors” could be presented to convince Max Verstappen to depart Red Bull for the marque in 2025.
Lewis Hamilton’s choice to activate a break clause in his existing deal to complete a switch to Ferrari for next season has opened a vacant seat at the German outfit.
Wolff has said that he is prepared to bide his time to see how Verstappen’s situation at Red Bull develops amid rumours that he might leave the reigning champions.
Despite Verstappen’s recurring dominance, the tension at Red Bull since the probe into Christian Horner’s behaviour has prompted reports that he could go elsewhere.
While Mercedes languishes fourth in the Constructors’ Championship – 143 points behind Red Bull – Wolff has hinted that alternative reasons could entice Verstappen.
“There are so many factors that play a role in a driver joining,” Wolff told The Race.
“Clearly when you look at it from the most rational point of view, you can say, ‘That’s the quickest car in the hands of the quickest driver’.
“But I don’t think this is the only reason you stay where you are. Let’s say [for] simple minds, that might be the only reason why you stay in a car and that’s it.
“But maybe there are more depths for some people that consider other factors too. I think that Max has that.”
One probable factor that Wolff is alluding to is the impending regulation change in 2025, which will see Red Bull co-operate with Ford to create its first-ever F1 engine.
Red Bull Team Principal Horner has denied that it is behind schedule, with Verstappen having also rubbished the notion that he upholds any concerns over the venture.
Wolff believes it is not in a position where it needs to persuade the Dutchman to consider Mercedes, despite his continued public pursuit of the three-time champion.
“In that respect, are we able to convince him? I don’t think it’s a matter of convincing,” he continued.
“I think that Max knows motor racing better than anyone, he will take decisions that he feels are good for him.
“I think a few factors play a role, but he’s the one that is the one that’s going to trigger some more domino stones to fall in afterwards. Everybody’s waiting for what he’s going to do.
“If I was Max I would stay at Red Bull in 2025 – but I’m not Max. It is the quickest car but there are still other factors.”
Asked whether there was a chance Verstappen could be prised from Red Bull as soon as 2025, Wolff replied: “If I say this, I might fuck up my whole strategy.”
