© LAT Images for Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix Ltd
Toto Wolff says “there will be completely new regulations from 2026, especially when it comes to the engine”, and this gives Mercedes “the opportunity to hopefully do as well as we did in 2014”.
With speculation regarding Max Verstappen’s possible switch to Mercedes running rampant in the F1 media, Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff again confirmed he would be open to such a deal.
“Every team would like to take Max because he is the strongest driver, it’s logical,” the Austrian told OE24
“But as I said, the driver will always try to sit in the most powerful car. That’s why we have to do our homework beforehand, so that the car performs, [and] so Mercedes could become a real alternative for Max.”
Asked if Mercedes would have the budget to accommodate Max, Toto said:
“In every career there are moments when you want or should try something new. That’s why I don’t have any bad feelings when it comes to Lewis. I was just surprised at the timing because the season hasn’t started yet.
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“But as it now turns out, that could be a good fit. Unlike us, Ferrari and McLaren concluded their contracts so early that they have no more free places in the next few years.”
With some pundits suggesting that Max could decide to leave the dominant Red Bull to go to Mercedes as early as 2025, to prepare for the big rule change of 2026, Wolff explained this indeed could be advantageous for the Dutch driver.
“There will be completely new regulations from 2026, especially when it comes to the engine. This gives us the opportunity to hopefully do as well as we did in 2014.
“If you as a driver can be there early, that is of course an advantage,” the Austrian concluded.
