Max Verstappen: Red Bull driver says Toto Wolff interest ‘nice to hear’ and doesn’t rule out Mercedes move | F1 News

Max Verstappen has not dominated out the potential of becoming a member of Mercedes sooner or later after Toto Wolff acknowledged he would “love” to have the reigning world champion on the crew.

Verstappen’s future has been questioned following off-track turbulence at Purple Bull after the conclusion of an investigation into Christian Horner, which resulted in allegations of inappropriate behaviour made towards the crew principal by a feminine colleague being dismissed.

Lewis Hamilton’s transfer to Ferrari for 2025 leaves a seat open at Mercedes and within the wake of Verstappen’s win on the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, Wolff commented that “there isn’t a crew that would not do handstands to have him within the automotive.”

In March 2022, Verstappen signed a brand new contract to remain at Purple Bull till the tip of 2028.

“It would not have any affect on me on what I might do. It is at all times good to listen to that,” mentioned Verstappen when requested about whether or not Wolff’s feedback have an effect on him.

“Toto and I, we had our little moments however that is regular between two groups battling for the championship. However the respect has at all times been there. From my facet, it would not change something.”

Requested if he would ever be part of Mercedes sooner or later, Verstappen mentioned: “I do not know. I do not know what occurs after 2028. I do not know if I’ll keep in F1 or proceed or signal a brand new deal? I do not know that.”

Verstappen: Purple Bull are like a second household

Verstappen is having fun with an unprecedented interval of dominance as he seems to be to equal his personal document of 10 consecutive wins with victory this Sunday on the Australian Grand Prix – dwell on Sky Sports activities F1.

It was solely six months in the past when the Dutchman broke Sebastian Vettel’s earlier benchmark of 9 wins in a row.

Since his F1 debut in 2015, Verstappen has at all times been a part of Purple Bull, first with the sister crew, then generally known as Toro Rosso, earlier than becoming a member of Purple Bull mid-season in Might 2016.

He received on his Purple Bull debut on the 2016 Spanish Grand Prix to turn into the game’s youngest F1 race winner at 18 years and 228 days and has gone on to turn into a three-time world champion.

“I’ve at all times felt comfy (at Purple Bull) as a result of for me it is like a second household,” mentioned Verstappen.

“In a household, there would possibly generally be, how would you say, not disagreements, however in households you may’t select household, you may select mates.

“However, no it is good. For me, it has been the identical. We simply deal with the efficiency. I would love the chat to be a bit extra in regards to the nice automotive now we have however hopefully that can come slowly.”

Essential to maintain key gamers

Plenty of Purple Bull’s success has been put all the way down to Adrian Newey however technical director Pierre Wache, aerodynamics designers Craig Skinner and Enrico Balbo plus head of efficiency engineering Ben Waterhouse have additionally performed an instrumental function within the technical division.

Verstappen insists the crew are all centered on their efficiency on the observe and is ready to see out his present contract, however hinted key members of the crew should keep.

“I am blissful inside the crew. It is essential that we attempt to hold the important thing gamers within the crew for an extended time period as a result of that is what goes with the performances as effectively.

“On the finish of the day, it is a efficiency foundation. It is the identical as if I would not carry out, I would not be sitting right here. I understand how that works. With the deal (my contract) in place, that is my intention for certain to be right here till the tip as a result of it could be an incredible story.

“For me personally, additionally, to simply see it out to the tip as a result of it virtually principally implies that I have been a part of one household and crew.”

Requested who these key gamers had been, Verstappen mentioned: “Many individuals. I am not going to call as a result of then individuals know.”

Sky Sports activities F1’s dwell Australian GP schedule

Thursday March 21

• 9.45pm: F3 Follow
• 10.55pm: F2 Follow

Friday March 22

• 1am: Australian GP Follow One (session begins at 1.30am)
• 2.55am: F3 Qualifying
• 4.45am: Australian GP Follow Two (session begins at 5am)
• 6.25am: F2 Qualifying
• 7.15am: The F1 Present
• 8.30am: Australian GP Follow One highlights
• 10am: Australian GP follow Two highlights

Saturday March 23

• 0.10am: F3 Dash
• 1.10am: Australian GP Follow Three (session begins at 1.30am)
• 3.10am: F2 Dash
• 4.15am: Australian GP Qualifying build-up
• 5am: Australian GP Qualifying
• 7am: Ted’s Qualifying Pocket book
• 7.30am: Australian GP Qualifying highlights
• 8.30am: Australian GP Qualifying replay (Sky Showcase)
• 10.30am: Australian GP Qualifying replay
• 10pm: F3 Function Race

Sunday March 24

• 0.30am: F2 Function Race
• 3am: Australian GP build-up: Grand Prix Sunday
• 4am: THE AUSTRALIAN GRAND PRIX
• 6am: Australian GP response: Chequered flag
• 7am: Ted’s Pocket book
• 7.30am: Australian GP highlights
• 8.30am: Australian GP build-up: Grand Prix Sunday replay
• 9.30am: Australian GP race replay
• 10am: Australian GP highlights (Sky Showcase)
• 11.30am: Australian GP response: Chequered flag replay

Method 1’s largest ever season continues with the Australian Grand Prix this weekend, with Sunday’s race dwell on Sky Sports activities F1 at 4am. Stream every F1 race and more with a NOW Sports Month Membership – no contract, cancel anytime

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