Mercedes plot Verstappen move

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff says the Formula 1 constructors' champions would consider a move for Red Bull star Max Verstappen in 2021. The Dutchman is tied to his current employers on one of F1's longest deals, but Wolff says he is a fan of Verstappen's driving style.

Although Verstappen has endured a poor start to 2018, with a litany of errors costing him vital points, he remains the most exciting prospect in F1.

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Victory in Barcelona on his Red Bull debut made him F1's youngest race-winner and his subsequent two victories both came at an age still younger than the previous record-holder, Sebastian Vettel.

Verstappen is a champion-in-waiting in many onlookers' eyes, although Red Bull are yet to have delivered him a car capable of truly pushing Mercedes and Ferrari all the way.

And with Lewis Hamilton's long-term future in the sport uncertain, Wolff says Verstappen could loom large in their thoughts in the coming years.

Wolff told De Volkskrant: "He's one of the most talented and fearless drivers of the moment.

"However, Max decided he wants to stay with Red Bull until 2020 and we respect contracts.

"We should have a talk in 2021."

Mercedes have also been linked with a move for Verstappen's team-mate Daniel Ricciardo, with the Australian's contract expiring at the end of the year.

Red Bull supremo Dr Helmut Marko suggested this week that Ricciardo is waiting for Hamilton to commit to the Silver Arrows, his deal is similarly ticking down, before he puts pen to paper with Red Bull.