Max Verstappen is at the top of the Mercedes Formula 1 team’s list to succeed Lewis Hamilton, who will leave in 2025. To make the Dutchman’s arrival possible, Mercedes has already internally approved Verstappen’s gigantic salary and bonus package. This is reported by the German Auto Motor und Sport.
Verstappen still has a contract with Red Bull Racing until mid-2028, but the internal power struggle and the possible departure of Dr. Helmut Marko have ensured that the future of the driver of the Austrian racing stable has become a lot less certain. Mercedes is closely monitoring developments at Red Bull and has Verstappen at the top of its wish list. The Silver Arrows see Verstappen as the perfect successor to Hamilton, who is leaving after this season. To make Verstappen’s arrival possible, Mercedes has already internally approved the salary package and the associated bonus clauses. And with that, Verstappen would earn more than Hamilton does now.
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Mercedes wants to pay Verstappen more than Hamilton
Hamilton signed a new two-year contract with Mercedes last summer. That deal was valued at around £50m per year. Verstappen is currently on a five-year contract with Red Bull worth around £40 million. However, this does not include bonuses. If the Limburger switches to Mercedes, he can expect a significant pay increase, according to AMuS. Verstappen would then be more expensive for Mercedes than Hamilton. “But if Verstappen were to become world champion with his new team, it should work out for Mercedes,” it reads. And that is why Mercedes has already approved Verstappen’s salary package internally. If the Dutchman becomes available, nothing will prevent Wolff from striking immediately.
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Wolff willing to take risks by waiting for Verstappen
Although Verstappen will not be in a hurry to make a decision about his future, Wolff is still willing to wait to see whether a decision will be made this season. ‘Verstappen is the only driver who has the luxury of taking his time and assessing the situation. Mercedes is also in no hurry. As long as there is a small chance of landing the fastest driver of our time, Toto Wolff will wait for the world champion. Even if that means missing out on his other options, Fernando Alonso and Carlos Sainz.”
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2024-04-11 14:50:57
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