F1 News: Toto Wolff leaving door open for STUNNING Verstappen move

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Wolff leaving door open for STUNNING Verstappen move

Toto Wolff could target Max Verstappen ahead of new driver search

Originally written by Shay Rogers. This version is a translation.

Sunday 11 February 2024 01:57

Toto Wolff has left the door open to pursue a bold move for Max Verstappen, as the Mercedes chief attempts to fill the massive void that will be left by Lewis Hamilton's departure at the end of the season.

The British driver will leave after a partnership spanning six world titles and more than a decade, heading to Ferrari in the twilight of his career.

You have to go back as far as 2016 to find the last time Wolff was forced to find someone to replace a departing world champion, when Nico Rosberg suddenly retired.

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With none of the paddock expecting Ferrari’s swoop for Hamilton to go through, could there be a possibility that Verstappen decides to leave Red Bull?

Lewis Hamilton has worked with Toto Wolff since 2013

Toto Wolff has a tough job ahead to find the right second driver for his team

Wolff: The ball is in our court

“We will always try to have the best possible combination in our car and seek out these discussions,” he said.

“You can see how quickly the situation can change. At the same time, we respect contracts that exist.

“Drivers always want to be in the fastest car. It’s up to us to demonstrate that we can build the fastest car – not just in the short and medium term, but also in the long term. This will then lead to opportunities. The ball is in our court.”

2024 will be an important year for Mercedes if they want to attract the right talent to their team.

Showing a positive development direction and clear path heading into the new era of technical regulations could make them front-runners to sign headline stealing drivers in the future.

Red Bull Max Verstappen Lewis Hamilton Ferrari Mercedes Toto Wolff