Max Verstappen tops the list of Mercedes’ Formula 1 team to succeed Lewis Hamilton, who is leaving in 2025. To facilitate the arrival of the Dutch driver, Mercedes has internally approved Verstappen’s massive salary and bonus package. This was reported by Auto Motor und Sport.
Max Verstappen, who has a contract with Red Bull Racing until mid-2028, is now less certain about his future with the Austrian team due to internal power struggles and the potential departure of Dr. Helmut Marko.
Mercedes is closely monitoring the developments at Red Bull and has placed Verstappen at the top of their wish list. The Silver Arrows see Verstappen as the perfect successor to Lewis Hamilton, who is departing after this season.
To facilitate Verstappen’s arrival, Mercedes has internally approved his salary package and associated bonus clauses, which would make him earn more than Hamilton currently does.
Mercedes Wants to Pay Verstappen More than Hamilton
Last summer, Hamilton signed a new two-year contract with Mercedes, valued at about 50 million pounds per year. Verstappen is currently on a five-year contract with Red Bull worth approximately 40 million pounds annually, not including bonuses.
Should the Dutch driver switch to Mercedes, he can expect a significant pay raise, according to AMuS, making him more expensive for Mercedes than Hamilton. “But if Verstappen becomes world champion with his new team, it should be feasible for Mercedes,” the report states.
Therefore, Mercedes has already internally approved Verstappen’s salary package in case the Dutchman becomes available, leaving nothing to stop Wolff from making a move immediately.
Wolff Willing to Take Risks by Waiting for Verstappen
Although Verstappen is in no rush to decide on his future, Wolff is still willing to wait to see if a decision will be made this season.
“Verstappen is the only driver who has the luxury to take his time and assess the situation. Mercedes is also in no hurry. As long as there is a slight chance of acquiring the fastest driver of this era, Toto Wolff will wait for the world champion, even if it means missing out on other options like Fernando Alonso and Carlos Sainz,” according to the mentioned source.
