Better keep Wolff from the door
MERCEDES supremo Toto Wolff is ready to swoop if he thinks there is even the slightest chance three-time world champion Max Verstappen will quit Red Bull.
Wolff will lose Lewis Hamilton to Ferrari next year and Verstappen is his No.1 choice to replace the Brit.
The Mercedes chief admits he has had chats with Verstappen and his dad Jos.
Wolff said: “Max is now in the best car and has a great deal at Red Bull.
“It’s just that the whole working environment there at the moment may not be as it should be.”
Red Bull are in the midst of a civil war following the fallout over team chief Christian Horner being accused of inappropriate behaviour by a female colleague.
That grievance was dismissed after an investigation but the woman has appealed that decision.
Horner has powerful enemies – including Jos Verstappen who publicly wants him out and long- serving adviser Helmut Marko – but his place is secure thanks to his strong bond with the team’s star driver.
Verstappen threatened to quit Red Bull if Marko leaves – but it is understood the team is prepared to let the Dutchman go if forced to pick between him and Horner.
The Red Bull row gives Wolff hope he can get his top target to replace seven-time champ Hamilton and join Brit George Russell at Mercedes.
The Austrian said: “A few months ago I didn’t expect that opportunity to be there at all.
Red Bull in a sweat as Merc boss eyes Max
“As Lewis’ replacement there is only a small group of drivers who are interesting for us.
“Among them are some drivers who are not going to make any rash decisions. Nor will Max Verstappen decide where his future lies some time in the next few weeks.
“At Red Bull there is a certain situation, therefore Max will see how that situation develops. Max, Jos and I have talked about it.
“We have always had respect for each other and Jos and I also have the same kind of humour
“If you look at Max’s lastt two years then there is no one evenen close to him.
“As a driver, you can’t doo it without a good car,, engine and team aroundd you. Max is in that positionition right now.”