Charles Leclerc would reportedly be next in line in Wolff's wish list after Verstappen. Photo by Racepictures.

Revealed: 'After Verstappen, this driver is next on Wolff's wish list'

11:38, 22 Sep

byNorberto Mujica

Raymond Vermeulen, Max Verstappen's manager, has dropped Charles Leclerc's name as Toto Wolff's backup to Verstappen, should the Dutchman refuse to go to Mercedes.

Charles Leclerc has issued a warning to Leiws Hamilton. Photo by RacePictures.

Everyone calls everyone else. Or don't you think Toto will call Charles Leclerc?

- Raymond Vermeulen

Speaking prior to Verstappen's win in Azerbaijan, Vermeulen spoke highly of the Red Bull Racing's driver "balanced" personality.

"[It's] Absolutely [a good thing]. If you have to make decisions, that's great, of course," he said to De Telegraaf. "That you work with someone who is very stable and doesn't shoot from left to right."

According to Vermeulen, the four-time World Champion has clarity. "Verstappen is someone who knows exactly what he wants and especially what he doesn't want."

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And Verstappen wants to win titles. So, should Red Bull not deliver come 2026, Vermeulen acknowledged that his client could then take his leave.

Given the reported paddock's interest in acquiring his services, Verstappen could pick and choose which team to drive for in 2027. Should that not be Mercedes, Vermeulen reveals who he believes the German team's boss and CEO would call in the Dutchman's stead.

"That's not all that exciting, you know. Everyone calls everyone else," Vermeulen said in reference to the calls he's received from the likes of McLaren CEO Zak Brown regarding Verstappen.

"Or don't you think Toto will call Charles Leclerc? That's the puzzle that everyone is putting together for themselves. And everyone is selfish, wants the best for themselves. Logical too."

Is Verstappen back in the title fight in 2025?

Andrea Stella, McLaren's team boss, has argued the Dutchman is "definitely back" in the World Championship fight. Papaya driver Lando Norris also urged people not to be so surprised that Red Bull were quick, following his P7 and Verstappen's win on Sunday in Baku.

Laurent Mekies, on his part, chose to remain fixed in Red Bull's aggressive approach to the season, focused on achieving more lap time, not on the Constructors' or the Drviers' standings.

Helmut Marko, the Austrian team's advisor, on his part chose to wait until after the results for the Singapore Grand Prix to be in before making any sort of title claim. Verstappen himself did not support, nor did he deny, a potential title claim.

Have Piastri and Norris allowed Verstappen back into the title fight? Find out here. What does Verstappen need to do to become the F1 2025 World Champion? Click here to learn more.