Mercedes have made no secret of their desire to sign Max Verstappen to replace Lewis Hamilton. But they also know that it’s unlikely, at least for next year.
Toto Wolff has known since the winter that Hamilton was headed to Ferrari. But there’s a reason he still hasn’t named his replacement.
He’s waiting for a definitive ‘no’ from Verstappen, and also wants more time to assess academy driver Kimi Antonelli. The 17-year-old is conducting a private testing programme for the team in conjunction with his Formula 2 duties.
Verstappen was apparently unhappy with Red Bull team principal Christian Horner after he highlighted his mistake in qualifying for the Monaco Grand Prix. But while all may not be well at Milton Keynes, hopes of signing the Dutchman remain slim.
Wolff is determined to ‘humiliate’ Horner by luring away his star driver, but he doesn’t have the package to convince him just yet. Mercedes are an isolated fourth in the constructors’ standings, 180 points behind Red Bull.
That may change come 2026, however. While rumours that the Bulls are already trailing Mercedes in the engine department have been dismissed as ‘ludicrous’, the regulation changes could shake up the pecking order and affect Verstappen’s thinking.
Ralf Schumacher says Mercedes are toying with Carlos Sainz
Driver ‘C’ in the Mercedes conversation, alongside Verstappen and Antonelli has been Carlos Sainz. The Spaniard is losing his seat at Ferrari to make room for Hamilton.
On paper, Sainz is an attractive proposition for a front-running team. He’s won three Grands Prix, most recently in Australia earlier this year, and scored 22 podiums.
Mercedes haven’t completely ruled out Sainz in case Verstappen decides to stay at Red Bull and Wolff determines that Antonelli isn’t ready. Reports earlier in the year claimed he’d rejected a one-year deal from the Silver Arrows because he wanted at least two guaranteed.
Speaking on the formel1.de YouTube channel, former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher said Mercedes were playing games with Sainz. Wolff wants the option to sign him but isn’t ready to make the commitment.
“Mercedes, you get the feeling that you play a bit with Carlos Sainz because he’s there at any time and Toto Wolff could have him signed,” he said.
Mercedes deny remarkable reports about Kimi Antonelli test
On Friday, Mercedes issued a statement about Antonelli’s recent test at Silverstone (via RaceFans). While George Russell and reserve driver Mick Schumacher were both running, they insist it wasn’t a ‘shoot-out’.
One report sensationally claimed that Antonelli had matched Russell in qualifying trim and even out-paced him on race fuel. However, Mercedes are adamant all three were on different programmes.
The teenager allegedly won the backing of every board member after his display at the British GP venue. Barring any unforeseen issues, they could take the plunge and hire him for next year.
Mercedes haven’t fielded a rookie since they returned to F1 in 2010. In fact, they’ve only had five drivers overall in that time – Nico Rosberg, Michael Schumacher, Hamilton, Valtteri Bottas and Russell.
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