JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia – Williams team principal James Vowles believes that Max Verstappen would not be a good fit for his former team Mercedes. He suggests that Toto Wolff would be better off keeping the current driver lineup.
Vowles moved to Williams from Mercedes in 2023, having spent over two decades as an engineer at the Brackley-based team.
Wolff openly expressed interest in signing Verstappen last year but abandoned the idea in the summer before confirming George Russell and 18-year-old rookie Kimi Antonelli as Mercedes drivers for 2025.
Red Bull`s struggles at the start of this season have reignited rumors that Verstappen might want to leave the team if they cannot provide a competitive car. However, Vowles is confident that Mercedes should reconsider replacing one of their drivers with the four-time champion.
`Can he add a little more performance? Yes, I think Max can add performance,` said Vowles. `I don`t think anyone in this room would deny that he is extraordinary in what he can do. [Verstappen`s performance] in Japan was just incredible to me. Well done to him.`
`But he also comes with many downsides that need to be considered. Mercedes currently has a great culture with two drivers who are performing close to the car`s maximum potential, and one who is progressing. So, personally, I don`t think it`s the right place for him.`
Vowles also believes that a Russell and Verstappen combination would not be harmonious. At the end of the 2024 season, they had a verbal spat, with Russell calling Verstappen a `bully,` and Verstappen retorting by calling Russell a `loser.`
`I don`t think so,` Vowles replied when asked if Verstappen and Russell would be compatible as driver partners. `I think they are two very different characters.`
`I would also say – I`m not Toto – but I think he has a really good driver lineup for the future.
`With Kimi [Antonelli], and yes, I am biased because I worked with him for a long time, but if you just look at the progress he is making in qualifying, he is improving every week, and he has only driven four Grand Prix races.`
`He is on the right track to become very, very competitive, so you need to keep investing in that, and George is delivering. You can`t really fault… I mean, he has been a bit quiet, but you can`t really fault anything he has done this year.`
