Schumacher stokes Verstappen-to-Mercedes rumours: “It seems that way”

Speculation that Max Verstappen could move to Mercedes after discussions between the driver and the team were confirmed is reaching fever pitch. 

Both Toto Wolff and George Russell confirmed to the media that the Brackley outfit is indeed talking with Max Verstappen. 

“There is a four-time world champion that needs to decide what he is going to do in the future, and that is just, as a team principal, you need to see where that is going,” Wolff told Sky Sports F1 on the Austrian Grand Prix weekend.

His driver was just as forthcoming, admitting that it’s “only normal” for Mercedes to be seeking top talent.

“As Mercedes, they want to be back on top, and if you’re going to be back on top you need to make sure you’ve got the best drivers, the best engineers, the best pit crew, and that’s what Mercedes are chasing. So, it’s only normal that conversations with the likes of Verstappen are ongoing.”

With rumours flying left, right, and centre, it’s difficult to break through the noise. Ralf Schumacher, former F1 driver and brother to the seven-time champion Michael Schumacher, believes Verstappen will leave the Milton Keynes fold. 

George Russell, Mercedes

Photo by: Peter Fox / Getty Images

“I would also say it seems that way. I’m just curious what happens to George Russell after that. Toto wouldn’t leave him hanging. I’m curious, because he also needs a good car. He recommends himself everywhere. But whether he should go to Red Bull, that choice isn’t so easy. It’s a tricky topic. I’m curious. That’s really interesting,” he said via the Boxengasse podcast.

“Or the combination of Toto Wolff making the decision to relieve Kimi Antonelli from pressure and going to another team for a few years. That could also happen.

“These are exciting times. I don’t know, but someone has to make room. And right now, George Russell, two things. You get thrown out, and then there’s the topic that he goes somewhere else and races against you. So the topic is not to be underestimated. Yes, exciting times.”

Recent reports suggest that the conversations between Verstappen and Mercedes are deepening, but talking to Viaplay, the Dutchman was relaxed about the situation. 

“I do not have to add much to that,” he said when asked about the conversations. 

“The more I say about it, the more it will be reported in the media. And I certainly do not want that. I determine my own future.

“Of course there will be updates, so I can’t immediately say that it is now… I can’t really give a definitive answer about whether it is a success or not,” he said.

“Around the summer break I think it will be clear what will happen this season in terms of performance. 

“But it is not that I suddenly think more now than last year or the years before. I am very relaxed about everything, I just do my thing.”

Photos from British GP – Thursday