'I would consider joining him' - Formula 1 chief confirms Manchester United takeover talks with Sir Jim Ratcliffe

Mercedes Formula 1 chief Toto Wolff has said he is open to investing in Manchester United - and hinted he could even be joined in a future business venture by Lewis Hamilton.

Wolff is the executive director of Mercedes' Formula 1 branch alongside INEOS founder Sir Jim Ratcliffe. The British billionaire has been in the race to take over at United for many months now and is on the verge of joining the boardroom at Old Trafford.

Last month, Ratcliffe's main rival Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al-Thani withdrew from the process due to the Glazers' valuation of the club. This has since left the door open for the boyhood United fan to acquire an initial 25 per cent stake in the Reds.

READ MORE: The celebrities who would love to be involved in takeover

READ MORE: United fans sent Ratcliffe warning

While there has yet to be any official confirmation on this deal, it is widely expected Ratcliffe will reach an agreement before the end of 2023. With plenty of speculation surrounding his business partner, Wolff was asked about the deal and his potential involvement in a press conference prior to the Brazilian Grand Prix, although he made it clear no current deal is in the pipeline.

However the Mercedes chief did confirm Sir Jim Ratcliffe has 'shared the trajectory' with him when talking about his plans for the Reds.

As reported by the Press Association, Wolff responded: "Jim has shared the trajectory with me. I very much respect his values and we trust each other.

"If we felt it would make sense to be part of the investment group then I would certainly look at it." He continued: "I have never aimed for trophy investments but I like the competitiveness of the Premier League.

"Jim and Manchester United is a love story because he is born