While the season of Formula 1 continues with its demanding schedule, the controversy over the transfers of the protagonists is adding to the controversy. Toto Wolffdirector of Williams, revealed if Max Verstappen is intended for 2025 and generated more commotion after the confirmation of the departure of Lewis Hamilton to Ferrari.
The current campaign will be the Englishman’s final one as the number 1 driver of the British team. His dream of racing the Prancing Horse will come true next year and has caused Williams an unexpected headache. Although there are several names in the game, the team itself acknowledged that they will aim strongly for his replacement.
Williams’ revelation about Verstappen
In an interview with Fox Sports of Australia, Wolff, one of the most relevant people in the decision-making, highlighted that Verstappen is a strong candidate: “Yes, it is, you just have to look at its performance. But it’s one of those relationships that must occur at a certain timeso We don’t know when it will be. But I don’t want to rule out other candidates.”
Although the triple world champion has a contract until the end of 2028, a clause would allow him to leave if he wishes, something that causes fear in Red Bull. Even from the energy drinks team they are attentive to the move that Williams may make with its star driver.
Although Toto acknowledged the interest in Verstappen, he also noted that they have their eyes set on Spain, since there are, in his words, “some really interesting options for us, from a young man with super talent, to a veteran and very experienced one.
Specifically, the Austrian referred to Fernando Alonso and Carlos Sainz juniors, from Renault and Ferrari respectively. Regarding them, he added in a particular way: “Of course Alonso is in the spotlight.which is a very exciting option, and Sainz, who is a very good driver. We have to choose and it is not easy.”
Verstappen could be Hamilton’s replacement at Mercedes.
Although there is media pressure to know who will replace the seven-time world champion, Wolff expressed that the decision will be considered: “Just as Lewis’ (Hamilton) decision surprised us so quickly, now I want to take my time. We have a free place, the only one among the leading teams, unless Max decides to leave, then we will no longer have that free place. “I think we will decide towards the summer.”.
On the other hand, the team leader gave another name that was not in La Máxima’s plans, such as the young Kim Antonelli: “It will depend a lot on Max. Although we also have a promising boy who I don’t want to put too much pressure on, but it seems like he has potential to be one of the best. We don’t want to rush and put him behind the wheel of a Formula 1 at 18 years old.. So if it’s not him for Mercedes, we have a couple more options that we can use.”
Finally, Toto stressed that the uncertainty of knowing the name is not easy: “It is a difficult choice because there is no clear criterion for one and everything points to the other. I just want to take a step back and just monitor the situation. Some of the guys mentioned may sign for other teams and that’s why I’m just looking at it.”
