Toto Wolff responds to claims Verstappen could quit Red Bull to replace Hamilton

06 March 2024 , 17:55

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Toto Wolff and Lewis Hamilton (Image: Doug Murray/Getty Images)

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff believes there is little reason for Max Verstappen to leave Red Bull, but left the door open for a potential move.

Wolff is faced with the daunting task of replacing Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes. The seven-time world champion departs at the end of the season for Ferrari.

It has been suggested the Brackley-based team already have the likes of Verstappen and Fernando Alonson on their list of prospective drivers to replace Hamilton. Red Bull's Dutch racer currently has a contract until 2028.

However, Verstappen's future with the constructor has come under increased scrutiny amid the controversy around Christian Horner. The team principal has been cleared of alleged inappropriate behaviour towards a female colleague but a series of private messages and photos purported to be from Horner were then leaked.

That has seen Verstappen's father, Jos, call for Horner to quit, while the pair were seen to have a frank exchange in Bahrain. Verstappen Snr has claimed Red Bull will be torn apart by Horner's presence.

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Amidst a dramatic backdrop, Verstappen comfortably won the opening grand prix of the 2024 season. With the dominance of Red Bull, Wolff sees little reason for the 26-year-old to depart imminently.

He said: "The market is very interesting. For a driver, the most important thing is to be with whoever is fastest, and there is no reason now for Max to leave Red Bull anytime soon. But we'll see what happens."

Max Verstappen talks with Christian Horner (Bob McCaffrey)

Mercedes' George Russell appears to be undaunted by the prospect of the potential arrival of another world champion, however. The former Williams racers contract runs until the end of 2025 and he will have a new teammate for that season.

Hamilton finished ahead of Russell in the drivers' championship in 2023 but was outscored by his teammate in the younger competitor's debut season with Mercedes. Russell finished fifth in Bahrain to start this season ahead of Hamilton, who ended the race two places behind as Red Bull and Ferrari locked out the top four places on the grid.

Russell believes he would be a match for any challenge that could arrive at his doorstep next term in the Mercedes garage. He said: "This is my third season alongside Lewis, the greatest driver of all time. I feel I’ve done a pretty good job alongside him.

"So whoever were to line up alongside me next year or the years to come I welcome the challenge. I focus on me and I believe I’m good enough to beat anyone on the grid."

Scott Trotter