Williams team principal James Vowles has suggested that bringing Max Verstappen to Mercedes would involve significant disadvantages. Despite acknowledging the four-time world champion`s exceptional talent, Vowles feels that pursuing him might not be the best strategic move for his former team.
Speculation around Verstappen`s future has resurfaced, partly due to Red Bull`s somewhat inconsistent performance early this season. His contract runs until 2028, but it reportedly contains a clause that could allow him to leave earlier under specific conditions later this year. Mercedes has often been cited as a possible destination if Verstappen leaves Red Bull, with Mercedes boss Toto Wolff having previously indicated his interest.
Mercedes is currently evaluating its driver options beyond the present season, having only confirmed George Russell and newcomer Kimi Antonelli for this year. Vowles questioned whether disrupting this developing partnership for Verstappen would benefit Mercedes or Wolff.
Vowles commented that while he`s not Wolff, he believes Mercedes already has a strong driver line-up for the future. He praised Verstappen`s speed, calling a recent qualifying lap astonishing, but maintained that the driver “comes with a lot of downsides as well that you have to acknowledge.”
He emphasized that Mercedes possesses a positive team culture and two drivers performing well, with one showing strong upward progression. Because of this, Vowles personally felt there wasn`t a suitable place for Verstappen, suggesting that trading the current stable environment for a driver, even one as fast as Max, might not be the right strategic choice for Mercedes. He clarified this was his personal commentary on a decision that rests with Mercedes.
In separate remarks, Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff stated they have had no conversations with Verstappen and expressed great satisfaction with their current line-up of Russell and Antonelli, indicating they are focused on their own path.
The next event on the Formula 1 calendar is a Sprint weekend in Miami, scheduled for May 2-4.
Marcus Prine