Toto Wolff has reportedly settled on a bold course of action regarding Mercedes’ future lineup, identifying which current driver could be displaced should Max Verstappen make the seismic leap from Red Bull to Brackley. With Verstappen’s dominant reign showing signs of decline in 2025—he sits third in the standings, trailing McLaren’s Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris—Mercedes is strategically positioning itself for a potential coup.
The catalyst behind this potential upheaval stems from instability at Red Bull, exacerbated by the abrupt dismissal of Christian Horner. With Verstappen’s future under scrutiny, Wolff openly acknowledged his interest in securing the services of the four-time world champion, describing such speculation as natural for a team with Mercedes’ pedigree. However, while reaffirming George Russell’s place, questions quickly turned toward rookie Kimi Antonelli.
According to reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport via Motorsport Week, Mercedes is seriously considering reallocating Antonelli to a “temporary home,” most likely Alpine—an emerging customer team for Mercedes starting 2026. This move would conveniently free up a seat for Verstappen while maintaining the long-term investment in Antonelli’s development. Wolff has even been seen in discussions with Alpine’s Flavio Briatore, sparking further intrigue.
Wolff, who’s no stranger to volatile intra-team dynamics from the Hamilton-Rosberg era, dismissed concerns about pairing two aggressive competitors. He claimed that any potential fireworks between Verstappen and Russell wouldn’t surpass the previous internal battles Mercedes endured—and survived. To him, managing elite egos is just part of championship-winning calculus.
With the F1 grid poised for reshuffling and Mercedes aiming to reclaim supremacy in the new engine era beginning 2026, Verstappen’s speculated arrival could herald a renaissance for the Silver Arrows. As for Antonelli, his detour might only be a detour—one engineered to serve a bigger chess move orchestrated by Wolff himself.
About the Author
