Williams team principal James Vowles has stated there are “downsides” to signing Max Verstappen.
Verstappen has been linked with an exit from the Red Bull squad amid its drop in form ahead of a technical regulation reset in 2026.
Aston Martin has been touted as a potential destination for Verstappen, as has Mercedes, with team principal Toto Wolff publicly pursuing the Dutchman during 2024 as he searched for Lewis Hamilton's replacement.
Although Wolff has insisted he is no longer trying to sign the four-time champion, Verstappen's future is not clear-cut after Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko revealed a performance clause exists in his contract.
While Vowles stated there is no doubting the 27-year-old's abilities, he insisted signing Verstappen would come with added baggage.
“I think there is more performance to be added through Max [in the car],” Vowles told select media including RacingNews365.
“I don't think anyone in the room would deny that he is extraordinary in what he can do, Japan was, for me, jaw-dropping - well done to him.
“But he comes with a lot of downsides as well that we have to acknowledge.
“What Mercedes does have is 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 that's a place for him.”
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Verstappen and Russell partnership shut down: 'Two very different characters'
Verstappen's arrival at Mercedes would come at the expense of either George Russell, who has been part of Mercedes' junior set-up since 2017, or rookie Kimi Antonelli.
Russell has enjoyed a strong start to the new season, while Antonelli is likely a long-term project for Mercedes following his rapid ascension to F1.
Verstappen and Russell also had an explosive war of words through the media at last year's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
When asked if he believes Verstappen and Russell could work together as team-mates, Vowles said: “I don't think so.
“I think they're two very different characters. I would also say I'm not Toto, but I think he's got a really good driver lineup for the future.
“With Kimi, I'm biased because I worked with him for a long period of time, but if you just look at the steps he's making in qualifying, he's making steps every single week and he's only driven effectively four grand prix races.
“He's on a good pathway to be very, very competitive, so you keep investing in that.
“George is delivering. He's been a bit quiet, but you can't really fault anything he's done this year.”
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