Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has suggested Red Bull's strong race-winning pace will not be enough on its own to convince Max Verstappen to stay.
Amid rumours of unrest within the Red Bull organisation and an alleged power struggle within the team, Verstappen has been linked with a move away from the squad despite having a contract in place until 2028.
Wolff previously declared his desire to sign the three-time world champion as he searches to replace Lewis Hamilton ahead of his move to Ferrari next year.
Verstappen is enjoying a highly dominant stretch in F1, cruising to the titles in 2022 and 2023 before taking four race wins in the opening five rounds of the current campaign.
Despite the success-filled period, Wolff hinted at other elements that could play a role in Verstappen's future.
“There are so many factors that play a role in a driver joining,” Wolff told media including RacingNews365.
“Clearly when you look at it from the most rational point of view, you can say ‘that's the quickest car in the hands of the quickest driver’.
“But I don't think this is the only reason you stay where you are. Let's say [for] simple minds, that might be the only reason why you stay in a car and that's it.
“But maybe there are more depths for some people that consider other factors too. I think that Max has that.”
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Wolff states 'everybody is waiting' for Verstappen decision
Wolff added Mercedes does not necessarily need to convince Verstappen to join the team.
“In that respect, are we able to convince him? I don't think it's a matter of convincing.
“I think that Max knows motor racing better than anyone, he will take decisions that he feels are good for him.
“I think a few factors play a role, but he's the one that is the one that's going to trigger some more domino stones to fall in afterwards. Everybody's waiting for what he's going to do.
“If I was Max I would stay at Red Bull in 2025 - but I’m not Max. It is the quickest car but there are still other factors.”
When asked if there is a chance he can sign Verstappen for 2025, Wolff replied: “If I say this, I might fuck up my whole strategy.”
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