Mercedes Team LEADER Toto Wolff has once more given his big signal and desire to recruit defending champion Max Verstappen to the British team next season.
“Everyone is waiting to see what he (Verstappen) does (next season),” said Wolff, quoted by AFP, Tuesday (23/4).
Wolff once more expressed his desire to bring in Verstappen, who is expected to fill the empty seat left by seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, who is leaving for Ferrari next season.
Verstappen’s future at Red Bull was thrown into doubt last month following his father, Jos, said the team might split if Christian Horner was still at the helm.
AFP/Andrej ISAKOVIC—Bos team Mercedes Toto Wolff
This emerged following Horner was accused of inappropriate behavior towards one of the female staff at Red Bull. Horner denied the claims and an internal investigation cleared him of them.
Also read: Mercedes boss asks for Verstappen incident at Brazilian GP to be investigated
On the other hand, Verstappen has publicly committed to his future at Red Bull, but Wolff still believes there are other factors that might influence his decision to stay at the team.
“There are so many factors that play a role in a driver joining. Obviously, from the most rational point of view, that (Red Bull) is the fastest car in the hands of the fastest driver,” said Wolff.
“But, in my opinion, this is not the only reason he remains where he is,” he added.
Also read: George Russell is ready to compete if Max Vertappen really joins the Mercedes team
Earlier this season, Wolff said that he would love to sign world champion Verstappen if he were available.
His latest comments prompted a sharp response from Horner, who said Wolff should focus on efforts to revitalize Mercedes following a poor start to the season due to their high standards.
“Mercedes is third behind the other teams below it (McLaren and Aston Martin),” said Horner.
“It’s better for them to focus on their own team rather than the driver market. I can assure you (journalists) that there is no doubt regarding where Max Verstappen will be next year,” he criticized. (Ant/Z-1)
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