Williams team principal James Bowles believes that if Mercedes leaves Red Bull at the end of this season it would not be Max Verstappen’s destination.
Verstappen’s future has often been a conversation topic, but this season, Red Bull Advisor Helmut Marko has repeatedly raised concerns that performance clauses could be triggered. While Aston Martin was linked to Verstappen’s big name moves, Mercedes also courted him last year and has yet to commit to one of his current drivers in 2026, the Vols hasn’t seen the real world champion and George Russell pairing.
“I don’t think so,” said Bowles, who served as Mercedes Motorsport Strategy Director before moving to Williams. “I think they’re two very different characters. Also, I’d say I’m not Totto, but I think he has a really good lineup of drivers for the future.
“Yes, I’ve been working with him for a long time, so I’m biased, but if you just look at the steps he takes in the qualifying, he takes steps every week and he effectively drives four Grand Prix races.
“And I think George is delivering, which means he was a little quiet, but I can’t blame anything he’s done this year.
“So can you add a little more performance? Yes, I think you need to add more performance through Max, through Max. I don’t think anyone in the room would deny that what he can do is extraordinary.
“I think what Mercedes has is a great culture with two drivers delivering near the peak of the car.
Verstappen’s manager, Raymond Vermeulen, was filmed talking to Ollie Oakes, the principal of the Alpine team, over the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix weekend.