'Mercedes have Verstappen's contract ready, more expensive than Hamilton'
Toto Wolff isn't keeping it a secret: Mercedes have set their sights on Max Verstappen. The Dutchman's contract is said to be ready, and if the triple-world champion agrees, he will start earning more than Lewis Hamilton. Germany's Auto, Motor und Sport reported this.
'Mercedes have already approved Verstappen's salary'
Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff has already indicated that he is willing to wait for Verstappen. Should the time come for the triple world champion to make the switch, his contract would already be ready, according to AMUS. The Dutchman's potential salary is said to have already been approved internally. That amount is reportedly higher than what Hamilton currently earns at the German F1 team.
The silly season in Formula 1 started particularly early this year compared to previous years. That has everything to do with the shocking transfer of Hamilton, who is swapping Mercedes for Ferrari in 2025. This suddenly frees up a seat at a top team and leaves one of the most successful drivers of the moment, Carlos Sainz, without a seat.
Moreover, Verstappen's switch to Mercedes has suddenly become negotiable due to the turmoil within Red Bull Racing and around team boss Christian Horner. However, Verstappen has made it clear that he has no reason to leave as long as some crucial people (notably Helmut Marko) remain in place.
Why would Max ever sign with Mercedes? His salary already is higher than Hamilton. But that’s not what motivates him. Winning does. The key to Mercedes 8 constructors championships was the engine. They had talented leaders, talented drivers, but never had the best car aerodynamically. They simply had an engine that could drive around all the car’s deficiencies on most tracks. That’s why we saw RB take a few wins off them each year on low power circuits like Monaco where the deficit of the Renault PU was negated. With the regulation change, Mercedes lost that advantage - and it’s possible they may never recover it. Toto only has experience winning from the front, so is in uncharted territory here and so far isn’t leading them in a direction that suggests an imminent return to winning championships. Past performance does not equate to future performance. Just look at Ferrari, Mclaren, or Williams for that matter. It’s great to see two of these championship dynasties back in contention, but it’s been a long road with still a lot more to travel. Max will stick with the winners until his 2028 contract runs out and then who knows what the landscape will look like. He could just retire like he’s said. But all this media drama suggesting a move to Mercedes before then is nonsense.
This team becomes more desperate and more embarrassing with each passing day . Cringe-worthy .
Verstappen definitely deserves to earn more than hamilton, but he will never go to a mercedes. They just dont have what it takes anymore.
He has a salary higher than Hamilton. Yeah. Obviously. He is a far better driver, so its a no brainer! Whatever that Mercedes is willing to pay to Max, it will be good value for money, compared to what they are currently paying their under performing and over paid driver.
Wolff should focus on his own sinking ship. Why would VER quit a championship winning team to join a team and fight for P5 at best? Money? He has plenty and VER is a pure racer without BS, he wants to win.
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