Could be a surprise: Max Verstappen Emerges as Leading Candidate to Succeed Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes

Max Verstappen Linked with Shock Move to Mercedes for 2025 F1 Season

Mercedes pândeşte o super-lovitură în Formula 1: Max Verstappen, în locul lui Lewis Hamilton - Antena Sport

In a surprising turn of events, three-time Formula 1 world drivers champion Max Verstappen has emerged as a leading candidate to join Mercedes, according to a report from German magazine Auto Motor und Sport.

“At the moment Max Verstappen is the hottest candidate for the Mercedes seat next to George Russell,” AMuS reports.

The departure of Lewis Hamilton from Mercedes to Ferrari in 2025 has left the German powerhouse in search of a new driver to partner with rising star George Russell in the upcoming seasons. Verstappen’s name has reportedly risen to the top of Mercedes’ wish list.

Mercedes aprovecha la guerra civil de Red Bull y no niega su interés en Max Verstappen

Despite Verstappen’s current success with Red Bull Racing, where he has secured three consecutive world championships, the possibility of him leaving the team cannot be ruled out. The ongoing controversy surrounding Red Bull’s team principal, Christian Horner, regarding a sexual harassment allegation, has added fuel to the speculation.

“(He) is not going, (you) say? Everything is possible in Formula 1. More and more evidence suggests that there may be sensational transfer. And the affair around Christian Horner is the lever for it.”

Could Red Bull civil war really force Verstappen to Mercedes? | RacingNews365

Red Bull’s sports director, Helmut Marko, reportedly expressed concerns over the situation, fearing potential repercussions such as the loss of future engine supplier Ford and renowned chief technology officer Adrian Newey, who has been instrumental in designing championship-winning cars for Red Bull.

Helmut Marko reacts to Mercedes' alleged interest in signing Max Verstappen

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff’s recent remarks have further fueled speculation about Verstappen’s potential move. Wolff’s acknowledgment that “the fastest drivers always want to sit in the fastest car. And Red Bull currently has the fastest car”, coupled with Red Bull’s current dominance in the sport, implies a possible interest from Mercedes in acquiring Verstappen’s services.

Mercedes won't rush F1 driver decision amid Verstappen rumours

While a move to Mercedes for Verstappen still appears unlikely, it has the potential to significantly shake up the Formula 1 grid if realized. The prospect of Verstappen partnering with Russell at Mercedes presents an intriguing scenario that could redefine the dynamics of the sport in the upcoming seasons.