F1 Rumor: Toto Wolff Attempting to Poach Red Bull Technical Director After Max Verstappen’s Chief Engineer Leaves

Red Bull is in turmoil. A few days ago, Max Verstappen‘s Chief Engineer Lee Stevenson departed the team for rival Sauber (Soon to be Audi). To further unsettle the Milton Keynes outfit, recent reports have suggested that rival team bosses are attempting to poach key personnel from under Christian Horner’s nose.

Lawrence Stroll set the ball rolling by offering a rich deal to Red Bull’s technical mastermind Adrian Newey. While it remains to be seen what the British Engineer does, a new surprising rumor is rolling in the paddock. Toto Wolff & Co. seem to be imitating Stroll’s poaching attempt by attracting RB’s second best Technical guru after Newey.

As per F1-Insider, Mercedes is apparently in talks with Adrian Newey’s right-hand man and Red Bull Technical Director, Pierre Wache. Wache is one of the geniuses responsible for the mighty RB19’s creation. The car that produced Max Verstappen’s overly dominant 2023 season.

The loss of such a key figure could only dampen Red Bull’s chances at a 5th consecutive championship in 2025. For Toto Wolff, it could be the critical piece of the puzzle to a vindictive championship for Mercedes. But what use is a Technical Director if you only have one driver?

Toto Wolff concerned about Mercedes’ driver situation after Lewis Hamilton’s exit

2025 onwards, if and when Lewis Hamilton gets Pole positions and victories, it would be Ferrari rejoicing, not Mercedes. Hence, for now, Team Principal Toto Wolff has his eyes set on Max Verstappen. But the Red Bull driver has his eyes set on his current seat. Consequently, the Austrian Boss might have to promote Andrea Kimi Antonelli in 2025. But that decision too is troubling him.

“We have a young kid that is very promising, and I don’t want to put more extra pressure on him,” Wolff told Fox Sports Australia, and added, “But it looks like he can be one of the great ones. But we also don’t want to drown him by jumping so quickly into an F1 car at 17. So there’s a few options that we could play with him.”

Read More: Toto Wolff Could Quit Mercedes as Lewis Hamilton’s Exit Creates “Complicated” Situation

All it took to shake the driver market entirely was one RB controversy and Lewis Hamilton’s bombshell Ferrari Move. So, naturally, there is a storm of driver transfers to come. Stay tuned with us for all the latest updates!