With the Formula One driver market nearing its 2025 close, all eyes are on the latest team maneuvers. Carlos Sainz’s move to Williams from 2025 has opened doors for Sauber/Audi, who are now eyeing rookie Gabriel Bortoleto as a potential teammate for Hulkenberg. Meanwhile, Mercedes is making a last-ditch effort to sign Max Verstappen.
Carlos Sainz’s decision to join Williams has given Sauber/Audi the opportunity to explore new talent, including F2’s rising star Gabriel Bortoleto. Despite Bortoleto’s impressive performance, Valtteri Bottas remains a strong contender to guide Sauber through its transition to Audi.
Amid these shifts, Mercedes is not sitting quietly. Toto Wolff’s strategy revolves around creating an attractive proposition for Max Verstappen, promising a competitive car. Wolff’s earlier statement on the necessity of having a stronger car to appeal to top-tier drivers, including Verstappen, remains central to Mercedes’ pitch.
Wolff was candid about Mercedes’ current challenges, referencing the collision between Verstappen and Norris in Austria that allowed George Russell to win. However, with recent victories at Silverstone and Belgium, Mercedes has established itself as a formidable contender, second only to Red Bull.
Eddie Jordan revealed that Mercedes’ top management, including Toto Wolff and Jim Ratcliffe of INEOS, convened in Monaco to discuss a substantial financial package for Verstappen. Jordan believes this commitment could eventually see Verstappen in a Mercedes, despite his current contentment at Red Bull.
David Coulthard offered a different perspective, emphasizing that Verstappen prioritizes performance over salary. Coulthard noted that Verstappen, already the highest-earning driver, might not be swayed by Mercedes’ financial offers. He also highlighted the cyclical nature of F1, suggesting that a move could be a gamble.
Coulthard pointed out that Verstappen’s contract includes an exit clause, although recent updates suggest this loophole has been closed. Helmut Marko’s new deal with Red Bull until 2026 likely further secures Verstappen’s position with the team. Coulthard expressed doubts about the feasibility of Verstappen’s switch to Mercedes in the near term.
Adding to the intrigue, Mercedes was banking on the upcoming 2026 power unit regulations to entice Verstappen. However, with financial restrictions in place, replicating the dominant success of the 2014 V6 turbo hybrid era could be challenging.
Coulthard remains skeptical, noting that the only viable move for Verstappen, given existing contracts, would be to Mercedes. He suggested that McLaren’s strong driver lineup and the current stability at Ferrari leave Mercedes as the logical option.
Meanwhile, Red Bull has been allowing Sergio Perez to finish the 2024 season despite lackluster performances. An F1 expert recently described Perez as ‘mentally broken,’ underscoring the high-stakes environment and the immense pressure on drivers to deliver consistently.
The unfolding drama in the F1 driver market, particularly Mercedes’ pursuit of Verstappen, highlights the intense competition and strategic maneuvering among top teams. While Toto Wolff’s efforts to lure Verstappen may face significant hurdles, the shifting dynamics within the sport promise an exciting season ahead.
