Mercedes insists on looking for Max Verstappen: 'Checo doesn't do well, Max makes the difference'

Mercedes insists on looking for Max Verstappen: 'Checo doesn't do well, Max makes the difference'.


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Reuters continues to insist on its interest in signing Max Verstappen for next season, despite Christian Horner's claims that the Dutch driver will remain at Red Bull. Mercedes boss Toto Wolff stressed the need to find a replacement for Lewis Hamilton, who will join Ferrari, and praised the team's recent performance, including Hamilton's podium finish at the Spanish Grand Prix.

Wolff highlighted the improvements in the Mercedes single-seater, mentioning that since the Imola Grand Prix they have achieved a steady and positive development. "Our correlation between wind tunnel and track didn't work for two years. Since Imola all the small updates we brought improved the balance and they did. The W15 is a better car. They are small steps but they make a difference," Wolff stated according to Formula 1a.one.

In addition, the Mercedes boss noted that the team's performance has improved significantly, but acknowledged that they are still a few tenths away from catching Lando Norris and Max Verstappen. "It's a solid result. It's the second time we've been on the podium. The car has improved but you can see it's still a few tenths away from catching Norris and Verstappen. For us today it was impossible to fight against them," he added.

As for interest in Verstappen, Wolff challenged Horner's statements, suggesting that if Mercedes manages to improve its car, it could convince the Dutch driver to join the team. "Horner said that will stand. Let's see, we let him have this idea. I've always said we need to focus on ourselves to improve the car and, if the car is going to be better, normally all drivers want to drive as fast as possible, and that's our priority. We need to allow Lewis and George to finish the season at a high level and then we will see if the W15 will be a car that Max can convince," Wolff concluded.

This move by Mercedes reflects its intention to remain competitive and seek the best talent available on the grid, thus maintaining the rivalry with Red Bull in Formula 1.