Is there a deadline for Max Verstappen’s Mercedes entry? First of all, Toto Wolff‘s dream is beyond bleak right now. Thanks to Kimi Antonelli’s alleged signing, the seat won’t be vacant any time soon. More importantly, some worries have instilled fear in the Mercedes boss’s mind. Looks like he wants to be careful with bringing in Verstappen, that is, if he can.

F1 presenter, Will Buxton does not see George Russell‘s seat in trouble. Also, he doesn’t see the Flying Dutchman coming to Mercedes. Toto Wolff would want anything but disagreements and ugly rivalry among his drivers. He’s already experienced it with Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg in 2016. The 52-year-old isn’t ready for another one!

Buxton said “Exactly,” when asked if Wolff wants to avoid the McLaren scenario from 2007 when champion Fernando Alonso was the teammate of rookie Lewis Hamilton. The veteran further said: “Toto Wolff had the chance to sign Max, but he missed that chance and he regrets it. He does not want to miss that chance again with Antonelli.” However, Wolff’s main concern if he pairs Max Verstappen and Antonelli would be the rivalry, or bitter rivalry rather. There is no way Max would let the rookie surpass him and Kimi wouldn’t give up either.

Reiteration of 2007 or 2016 would be the last thing, the Mercedes boss would want on his already full plate. Moreover, Toto Wolff knows the impact such rivalries can have on the team. Nothing misses the public eye, and fans wouldn’t take a moment to question Wolff’s choices, given he already knew what he was signing up for.

Toto Wolff would do anything to stay clear of episodes like McLaren from 2007

Recalling the 2007-2008 McLaren scenario, it is clear what is haunting the Mercedes boss. When Lewis Hamilton debuted in F1 with McLaren, Fernando Alonso was already a two-time world champion. Nando didn’t want to cave in for Lewis who was already showing sparks of his brilliance. Speaking with DAZN, the Spaniard revealed what his campaign with Lewis was like: “Now there is another type of rivalry, I don’t think we will be friends in the future or that we will ever have… I think we don’t share many things. But it is true that in 2007 the rivalry rose to a higher level.”

Alonso had gone to the extent of calling rookie Hamilton immature. Their rivalry that turned bitter with time was the product of the World Championship, the same as Nico-Lewis. So when Lewis joined Mercedes, he was already a one-time champion, and within the next two years, he clinched two more titles. Rosberg had enough, being in the team for six years and missing out on the title against someone who had arrived two years ago became unbearable. Thus began the bitter encounters of friends-turned-enemies, and in 2016, after several clashes, Nico became the World Champion and retired soon after.

It is difficult to keep away rivalry in F1. But what Toto wants is healthy competition. He wouldn’t want to risk the reputation of his team and drivers for their on-track ugly bouts. Therefore, Mercedes is letting go of their Max Verstappen plan for now. They are expected to announce Kimi Antonelli’s joining ahead of the Italian GP in September. Will Antonelli become the right replacement for Lewis Hamilton? What do you think? Let us know in the comments.