In the wake of Red Bull’s lackluster start to the season, Max Verstappen‘s future is once again under scrutiny. Aston Martin is rumored to have offered him a colossal contract, while Mercedes continues to show interest in the four-time world champion. However, Williams team boss and former Mercedes engineer James Vowles warns of the potential drawbacks that Verstappen could bring.
The future of Max Verstappen remains uncertain. Following a disappointing Bahrain GP for Red Bull, top advisor Helmut Marko expressed the team’s fear of losing their driver. Not long after, rumors began to circulate about a possible move to Mercedes or Aston Martin. According to James Vowles, however, Mercedes might be better off not signing Verstappen; he believes the potential downsides outweigh the speed that the Dutch titleholder brings.
Mercedes has yet to renew George Russell‘s contract, so there is technically a spot available. But even if Russell signs a new agreement with the Silver Arrows soon, there are ways Verstappen could still join Mercedes. For instance, he could claim the seat of Kimi Antonelli, provided the young Italian is placed elsewhere. Team boss Toto Wolff openly flirted with the idea of recruiting Verstappen last year, during the turmoil surrounding Christian Horner.
‘We Must Not Ignore the Downsides’
Williams team boss James Vowles, who has spent many years on Mercedes’ strategic team, now warns that the team should not hastily offer a contract to Verstappen. The British engineer is convinced of the current line-up with Russell and Antonelli, although he admitted that the Dutch champion is likely faster. “Yes, Max delivers that little bit of extra performance,” Vowles told the media in Saudi Arabia. “No one will deny that he is extraordinary. What he showed in Japan was stunning. But we must not ignore the downsides.”
“Mercedes currently has a great mix of two drivers who are performing at the top of their abilities,” Vowles continued. “Personally, I don’t think this is the right time or place for Max Verstappen.” The Williams team boss did not elaborate on the specific downsides of a potential collaboration with Verstappen, but hinted that a combination with Russell could be challenging. “They are two very different characters,” he explained. “In addition, Mercedes already has an excellent line-up for the future. Kimi is making great strides and is well on his way to becoming very competitive. And George Russell is simply performing – you really can’t fault him this year,” concluded Vowles.
