Williams Team Principal James Vowles has advised his former colleagues at Mercedes against pursuing a deal for Red Bull driver Max Verstappen. Despite acknowledging Verstappen`s status as an “absolutely extraordinary” four-time world champion, Vowles believes there are “a lot of downsides” and that signing him “still may not be the right decision” for the Brackley-based team.
Speculation surrounding Verstappen`s future remains high, fueled by Red Bull`s somewhat inconsistent start to the season and reports of a potential early exit clause in his contract, which currently runs until 2028. This clause could reportedly be activated later this year under specific circumstances.
Mercedes has frequently been mentioned as a potential destination for Verstappen should he leave Red Bull, with team boss Toto Wolff having previously expressed interest in the Dutchman throughout 2024 when similar doubts about his Red Bull commitment arose.
Mercedes` driver lineup for 2026 is yet to be finalized, with only George Russell and rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli currently confirmed for the present season. The possibility of Verstappen becoming available in the near future would undoubtedly reshape the entire Formula 1 driver market.
However, Vowles, who served as Mercedes` long-time head of strategy before taking the top job at Williams in 2023, is unsure if disrupting the promising partnership between Russell and Antonelli to make room for Verstappen would be the optimal strategic move for his old boss, Wolff.
Speaking initially during the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix weekend, Vowles was quoted as saying, “I`m not Toto, but I think he`s got a really good driver line-up for the future.” He added that while Verstappen`s performance, such as his pole lap in Japan, was “jaw-dropping” and showcased his speed beyond doubt, “he comes with a lot of downsides as well that you have to acknowledge.”
Vowles further elaborated on his comments to Sky Sports F1 in Jeddah, stating, “It was more that Mercedes have a really good problem. They`ve got two excellent drivers and is Mercedes going to make a change in that regard? That`s for them to really comment on.”
He emphasized the stability and positive culture currently present at Mercedes. “But the bit that they`ve got at the moment is a stable environment, a culture that works, two drivers that are working together, one that`s on the way up, and I think for them to chop and change that out for a driver as quick as Max still may not be the right decision. It`s theirs to make but that was more my commentary.”
Regarding Mercedes` official stance, Toto Wolff also spoke to Sky Sports F1 during the Saudi Arabian GP weekend, stating that the team had not held any discussions with the reigning champion.
“I always say I don`t flirt outside if I`m happy in the relationship on a professional level,” Wolff commented. “I`m super happy with the line-up we have, I couldn`t wish for anything better. Max is at Red Bull, we haven`t had a conversation, we are continuing our trajectory.”
