Four-time world champion Max Verstappen’s future at Red Bull has been called into question again, but Williams boss James Vowles has warned Mercedes not to rush into signing the Dutchman.
Max Verstappen’s future continues to spark rumours in the Formula 1 paddock after Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko said the team was “concerned” about the world champion’s departure.
Verstappen retained his title last year, but the cars’ dominance finished the job when McLaren and Ferrari took the top two spots in the constructors’ standings.
There was a similar pattern at the start of 2025, as McLaren looked dominant once again – although Verstappen put in a superb performance during the Japanese Grand Prix, recording victory at Suzuki.
The crisis talks came after a thoroughly disappointing weekend in Bahrain last time out, which led to some questions about Verstappen’s future.
There wouldn’t be many teams on the grid that could afford the Dutchman, with Fernando Alonso doubting he will be Verstappen’s teammate next year.
Mercedes could be another option if Verstappen were to seek help from Red Bull – but their former strategy director James Vowles believes the German team should not go for the Dutchman.
“I think there’s still room for better performance from Max,” Williams said during the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.
“I don’t think anyone in the room would deny that he’s extraordinary at what he does, and Japan, in my opinion, was stunning.”
“Kudos to him, but there are a lot of downsides that we have to acknowledge, and I think Mercedes has a great culture with two drivers who are driving almost at the peak of the car’s capabilities, and one who is on an upward trajectory. So personally I don’t think it’s the right place for him,” he pointed out.
Not only would Verstappen’s sudden arrival mean Mercedes would have to pass on Andrea Kimi Antonelli to make room, but with George Russell – who had a notable clash with Verstappen in Qatar and Abu Dhabi – on the verge of signing a new contract, Vowles felt that signing Verstappen would bring even more negativity.
“I don’t think so – I think they’re two very different characters,” he replied when asked if Russell and Verstappen could be together.
“I’m not Toto [Wolff, Mercedes boss] – but I think he has a very good driver line-up for the future. I think with Kimi – and I’m biased because I’ve worked with him for a long time – if you just look at the progress he’s making in qualifying, he’s improving week by week, and he’s only driven effectively for four races.
“He’s on a good path to becoming very, very competitive, so it’s worth investing in, and George is delivering results. You can’t really fault him; I mean, he’s been a little quiet, but there’s really nothing to fault him with this year.”
