Mercedes dreams of Verstappen to replace Hamilton in F1 blockbuster and this is the plan to get him

Toto Wolff is hopeful of landing Max Verstappen as Lewis Hamilton's replacement at Mercedes following talks with the world champion and his father.

Wolff will need a new driver with Lewis Hamilton out of contract and linked with Ferrari next year, and he wants Verstappen to take Hamilton's place, reports the Mirror. The Dutchman's future at Red Bull is uncertain amid the allegations of inappropriate behaviour by team principal Christian Horner towards a female employee. An internal investigation cleared Horner and the employee has since been suspended, but the situation is set to rumble on.

Verstappen's father Jos, thinks Horner should go, while Red Bull chief Helmut Marko is of a similar opinion. Verstappen has said he'll leave if Marko does and Red Bull may let Verstappen go if they have to choose between him and Horner. Wolff said: "Max is now in the best car and has a great deal at Red Bull. It's just that the whole working environment there at the moment may not be as it should be.

"A few months ago I didn't expect that opportunity to be there at all. That Lewis could leave after this year, we knew when he signed his contract. But at the same time, it creates momentum for us now that we have choices.

"Only a select group of drivers could possibly fill Lewis' shoes and among them are few who won't rush their choice. Max Verstappen won't quickly decide his future either. Given that Red Bull is in its own situation, Max will probably wait and see how things progress there."

Verstappen has been on top form for a while now and is rapidly heading towards his fourth consecutive drivers' title this year. His first victory was in 2021, following an intense and heated race with Hamilton. Wolff admits that this rivalry