Williams team principal James Vowles has cautioned his former team, Mercedes, against signing Red Bull driver Max Verstappen. Vowles believes that while the four-time world champion is “absolutely extraordinary,” bringing him aboard might not be the right strategic move for Mercedes, citing potential “downsides.”
Speculation about Verstappen`s future continues, fueled by Red Bull`s somewhat inconsistent start to the season and the possible existence of a performance-related exit clause in his contract, which currently runs until 2028. This clause could potentially be activated later this year under certain circumstances.
Should Verstappen become available, Mercedes has long been considered a primary alternative destination, with team boss Toto Wolff having previously expressed interest in the Dutchman during periods of uncertainty in 2024.
Mercedes` driver lineup for 2026 is not yet finalized, with George Russell confirmed and rookie Kimi Antonelli currently positioned alongside him for this season.
Vowles, who served as Mercedes` head of strategy before joining Williams in 2023, isn`t convinced that disrupting the developing Russell-Antonelli partnership to accommodate Verstappen would necessarily benefit Wolff`s team.
Speaking at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, Vowles was quoted as saying, “I`m not Toto, but I think he`s got a really good driver line-up for the future.”
He praised Verstappen`s skill, calling his performance, such as his pole lap in Japan, “jaw-dropping.” However, Vowles added that the Dutch driver “comes with a lot of downsides as well that you have to acknowledge.”
Vowles elaborated that Mercedes possesses “a great culture with two drivers that are delivering near to the peak of the car and with one that`s on the way up.”
“So I personally don`t think there`s a place for [Verstappen],” he concluded.
Mercedes on Verstappen Speculation
Vowles later expanded on his comments, reiterating that Max is “absolutely extraordinary” and acknowledging, “There was no doubting up and down the pit lane how quick he is.”
However, he stressed what he sees as Mercedes` advantageous situation: “It was more that Mercedes have a really good problem.”
Vowles feels Mercedes currently enjoys “a stable environment, a culture that works, two drivers that are working together, one that`s on the way up,” and believes that making a change for a driver as quick as Max “still may not be the right decision.” He clarified that this was his personal perspective.
Separately, Mercedes chief Toto Wolff addressed the speculation during the Saudi Arabian GP weekend, stating that the team had held no discussions with the reigning world champion.
“I always say I don`t flirt outside if I`m happy in the relationship on a professional level,” said Wolff. “I`m super happy with the line-up we have, I couldn`t wish for anything better. Max is at Red Bull, we haven`t had a conversation, we are continuing our trajectory.”
Wesley Dunham 
Gilbert Pendleton