“Will be on everybody’s radar in the future” – Toto Wolff discusses Max Verstappen and George Russell as contenders for Mercedes, to replace Lewis Hamilton and/or Valtteri Bottas.
Toto Wolff has responded to Christian Horner’s suggestion that Max Verstappen could join Mercedes in the near future. The Mercedes F1 boss is refusing to be drawn into it, instead focusing on his two current boys Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas.
“Max is certainly an outstanding young driver that will be on everybody’s radar in the future but, as I have said before, we are not flirting outside before we have a clear understanding with our two drivers.”
Toto Wolff willing to give Bottas an extension
The Austrian also has good news for Bottas, confirming his seat is currently not under any threat. Bottas has played second fiddle to Hamilton ever he since joined Mercedes, helping them to unprecedented dominance in F1’s history.
“Valtteri is always going to have unconditional support from the team and that is not going to change in 2021 either in order to perform as well as he can. He knows it is within his own hands to influence the future.”
Toto Wolff on drivers: “The consistency we’ve had within this team over the years has been a real strength and advantage of ours. It’s a line-up that works well for us, with two incredibly strong drivers who also have a very professional working relationship together.”
— Adam Cooper (@adamcooperF1) March 2, 2021
Wolff coy on George Russell to Mercedes suggestions
When asked about George Russell, Wolff was at his diplomatic best, suggesting he is one for the future. The Brit impressed one and all with his performances in both Williams, and the one-off race with Mercedes.
“As for George, we also know what we have in George. The future is bright for George in any case and it depends on how the driver situation within Mercedes pans out.”
Also read: “If we show everything now, we give the competition extra options”- Toto Wolff on Mercedes’ secrecy
