Would Verstappen fit in at Mercedes? Vowles doubts it: 'He comes with a lot of downsides'

James Vowles doesn’t believe Mercedes would be the right fit for Max Verstappen. The former Silver Arrows strategist and current Williams team principal says that he prefers their current driver line-up.

There’s been a lot of speculation lately about Max Verstappen’s future at Red Bull Racing. Helmut Marko recently admitted he’s concerned the Dutchman might leave if the team’s performance doesn’t improve soon. Verstappen addressed the rumors during a press conference, making it clear that, for now, he’s not thinking about leaving.

Alongside Aston Martin, Max Verstappen is frequently linked with a potential move to Mercedes. With Lewis Hamilton’s departure, the path seems open for such a switch. In the paddock in Saudi Arabia, James Vowles—now team principal at Williams and formerly a strategist at Mercedes—was asked whether George Russell and Verstappen could realistically be teammates.

Russell and Verstappen are 'two very different characters'

"I don't think so. I think they're two very different characters," he began to the media including GPblog. "I don't think so. I think they're two very different characters. I would also say I'm not Toto, but I think he's got a really good driver lineup for the future.

"I think with Kimi, and yes, I'm biased because I worked with him for a long period of time. But Kimi, if you just look at the steps he's making in qualifying, he's making steps every single week. And he's only driven effectively four Grand Prix races. He's on a good pathway to be very, very competitive, so you keep investing in that."

As for Russell, the former Mercedes top man has no complaints—he speaks highly of the Brit who has impressed at the start of 2025. "And George is delivering, I think. You can't really fault... I mean, he's been a bit quiet, but you can't really fault anything he's done this year." 

Vowles is convinced that Verstappen could make a difference at Mercedes when it comes to finding extra speed. However, he wonders if this would be worth it.

"So, can you add a tiny bit more performance? Yes, through Max," the Brit stressed. "I think there is more performance to be added through Max. I don't think anyone in the room would deny that he is extraordinary in what he can do. Japan was for me jaw-dropping. Well done to him." 

Vowles: 'Verstappen comes with downsides that we have to acknowledge'

However, Vowles did acknowledge that bringing Verstappen on board comes with its own set of challenges. "But he comes with a lot of downsides as well that we have to acknowledge. I think what Mercedes does have is a great culture with two drivers that are delivering near to the peak of the car and with one that's on the way up. So I personally don't think that's the place for him."

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This article was written in collaboration with Kim Hoefnagel