Toto Wolff has revealed Mercedes are 'waiting' for Max Verstappen amid the uncertainty over the racer's Red Bull future.
The 26-year-old has been in the spotlight amid the ongoing drama surrounding Christian Horner.
Horner was recently cleared of misconduct by Red Bull but the female member of staff who has accused the 50-year-old of inappropriate behaviour has since lodged an appeal against that decision.
Talk of Verstappen potentially ditching Red Bull has since arisen.
Toto Wolff has revealed Mercedes are 'waiting' for Max Verstappen amid uncertainty over the racer's future at Red Bull
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And Wolff has revealed he's 'waiting' for the Dutchman, with Mercedes currently on the lookout for a replacement for Lewis Hamilton.
"Yes, I'm waiting for him," he told Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf.
"A few months ago I would never have expected to be able to say that."
Wolff also insisted he didn't want to put any pressure on Verstappen, while also revealing he's healed his relationship with the 26-year-old's father.
"I don't want to speculate too much about his thoughts or put pressure on him," continued the Austrian.
"Now he is in the best car and has a very good relationship with Red Bull, it's just that maybe the whole work environment at the moment is not as it should be.
"In due time, Max, Jos (Verstappen) and Raymond Vermeulen, their manager, will have to decide what their priority is - the car, the results, or certain values within the team that may or may not be respected and that they consider important.
"Knowing them quite well, I think Max and Jos are very attached to clear values.
"Jos and I are the same age. I think we've always respected each other and we also have the same kind of humour.
"But I think the most important thing is that we both don't like nonsense.
"Jos knows more about racing than me, and also than Max.
"Maybe I know a little more about how to run an organisation.
"It's unfortunate that there was some rivalry, but I will always defend my driver, and they probably would have behaved the same way.
"But looking back at 2021, it's clear that I made some mistakes, but I can't go back."
And Wolff also says Red Bull are looking at just a 'small group of drivers' as they look to replace Hamilton, while also revealing the Silver Arrows are keeping their options open.
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Max Verstappen could leave Red Bull for Mercedes amid admiration from Toto Wolff
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"There are options for drivers in the short term, but also in the long term," he explained.
"There is a certain situation at Red Bull. So, presumably, Max will decide his future in the coming weeks depending on how the situation evolves.
"Is he number 1 on the wish list? It's a great opportunity.
"We already knew that Lewis could leave after this year when he signed the contract.
"But at the same time, this creates opportunities for us, while Ferrari and McLaren have no vacancies.
Lewis Hamilton could be replaced by Max Verstappen at Mercedes if Toto Wolff gets his way
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"We already knew that Lewis could leave after this year when he signed the contract.
"But at the same time, this creates opportunities for us, while Ferrari and McLaren have no vacancies."
