Red Bull under more pressure: is this driving Verstappen to Mercedes?

Was Wolff referring to F2 driver Kimi Antonelli, the driver from their own school who is currently being prepared for a move to Formula 1 with a lot of private testing? To be fair, the Italian (17) may have finished fourth in the main race at Imola, but he was not the greatest driver on the grid. Antonelli is not expected to have convinced Wolff yet. Or did Wolff hint again at Max Verstappen, the triple world champion whom he hopes to put in his Mercedes car for a record fee? Preferably in 2025 already, otherwise, at least in the 2026 season.

Why would Verstappen leave Red Bull?

It is no secret that Verstappen is the absolute number one on Wolff's list. After Red Bull Racing had internal problems at the start of the season, Wolff was under the impression he had a serious chance of snatching Verstappen, as he was not at all keen on the hassles within Red Bull. The champion wants peace and quiet; and if it is not there at Red Bull, he would rather look elsewhere. Meanwhile, tempers have calmed somewhat within Red Bull (the problems are not completely behind him), which has reduced the chances of Verstappen leaving on the grounds of internal difficultly.

But there is another scenario. Wolff already regularly uttered words to the effect: 'Why should Max leave Red Bull when he has the best car at his disposal there?' But in the last two races, that RB20 has not been as dominant as it was earlier this season. Could this then be the key for Wolff to bring in Verstappen? Because what if, in about two months' time, it is revealed that McLaren have overtaken Red Bull, would that perhaps make it easier for Verstappen to make a switch to Mercedes in 2025 then? Is that what Wolff might be pinning his hopes on?

Mercedes in a luxury position

It may sound strange for a top team looking for a replacement for Lewis Hamilton, but Mercedes and Wolff seem to be in an excellent position: If Verstappen comes in '25, it will be the absolute top prize for Mercedes. Every reason to wait for that. If he does not come, then Antonelli could be an option; a talent who is predicted to have a bright future in the sport. And if the youngster does not prove ready for that, there are more than enough decent candidates who would be happy to step in for '25 at Mercedes. Carlos Sainz, for example, is still looking for a seat.

There are whispers in the paddock that, for now, Esteban Ocon is the most realistic candidate to succeed Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes after this season. At the team where Ocon was under contract for years as a test and reserve and is still attached (Wolff is his manager), a one-year commitment for the Frenchman is said to be ready, if the Verstappen and Antonelli talks come to nothing. Ocon is not a driver who demands to have clarity on his future as early as next week; he is hell-bent on waiting to see how things play out with Verstappen and Mercedes, if he knows there might be an opportunity for him. After all, if the flirtation with Mercedes comes to nothing for Ocon, he can surely still end up with his current team, Alpine.

All options open for the future

Should Mercedes eventually go for Ocon, the team with a short-term commitment would keep all options open at least for 2026 and beyond: if Ocon does well, he might be able to count on a new contract. If he fails, then Mercedes can get rid of him without any problems. Moreover, Russell's commitment expires after 2025. So if he fails to contract Verstappen before 2025, there is plenty of room to try again next year. Indeed, a combination of Verstappen and the young talent Antonelli is even possible. And if both Verstappen and Antonelli are not an option for 2026, the team can always fall back on Russell and Ocon.

So Wolff is waiting and waiting. He is in no hurry. Not at all.