Mercedes has made a decision regarding Max Verstappen as it is set to reveal who will replace Lewis Hamilton.
Hamilton will join Ferrari next season, after winning six world titles and breaking several records at Mercedes.
Since the announcement was made shortly before the start of this season, speculation over who will replace the 39-year-old has continued to dominate the headlines.
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has made no secret of his desire to bring in the best driver available, with three-time world champion Max Verstappen considered a potential option despite still having a contract at Red Bull.
The Dutchman has reportedly been considering his future options but has said publicly that he plans to stay with the reigning constructors’ champions for at least one more season.
Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton to join Ferrari next season Toto Wolff had hoped to lure Max Verstappen to Mercedes Kimi Antonelli to take Lewis Hamilton’s place
Another name linked with the vacant seat is young prospect Andrea Kimi Antonelli, who has been tipped to reach the top in F1.
The 17-year-old Italian is currently competing in F2, but his performances have already caught the attention of Wolff, who has been impressed with his rapid progress so far.
Wolff is now believed to have given up trying to sign Verstappen, opening the door for Antonelli to make the jump from the sport’s second tier
Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton to join Ferrari next season Toto Wolff had hoped to lure Max Verstappen to Mercedes Kimi Antonelli to take Lewis Hamilton’s place Another name linked with the vacant seat is young prospect Andrea Kimi Antonelli, who has been tipped to reach the top in F1. The 17-year-old Italian is currently competing in F2, but his performances have already caught the attention of Wolff, who has been impressed with his rapid progress so far. Wolff is now believed to have given up trying to sign Verstappen, opening the door for Antonelli to make the jump from the sport’s second tier
Andrea Kimi Antonelli now seems almost certain to drive for Mercedes in F1
Dutch media outlet De Telegraaf reported: “The main character in this whole story, Verstappen himself, has always been very clear: his intention was and is to stay at Red Bull, at least in 2025.
Wolff knows it too and that’s what will happen.
“Aside from the fact that Verstappen is harder to lure away from Red Bull, now that a much-discussed side letter has been adjusted to chief advisor Helmut Marko’s contract.
“Previously, a clause was included that Verstappen could terminate his contract, which runs until 2028, if Marko left the Red Bull ship. That has now disappeared.”
