Mercedes Would Sign Ocon Or Russell Instead Of Max Verstappen

Toto Wolff said it’s clear that Max Verstappen is loyal to Red Bull Racing.

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has revealed that Esteban Ocon and George Russell would be ahead of Max Verstappen if the team needed to replace one of its existing drivers.

“I am very happy with my two drivers. If there is a generational change in the future, then George Russell and Esteban Ocon are in the starting blocks,” Wolff said in a recent interview.

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He added that he believes Verstappen is “clearly committed to Red Bull and is loyal to the team”, so he isn’t expecting the Dutch ace to be available anytime soon.

Some people in the paddock believe that Honda’s exit from Formula One could convince Verstappen to leave Red Bull, especially if the team is unable to secure an equally competitive power unit.

Mercedes have already ruled out an engine supply deal with Red Bull, while Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto suggested they would be open to such a partnership.

However, Ferrari currently have the worst power unit on the grid, so unless they take a big step forward next year, a switch to Ferrari power would almost certainly not be welcomed by Verstappen.

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