Mercedes boss Toto Wolff passed up on the offer to sign Max Verstappen earlier in his career, admitting with hindsight that it is a regret.
The Austrian has overseen a period of dominance in charge of the Silver Arrows, presiding over seven straight drivers titles and eight constructors championships on the spin. Now though Mercedes are no longer setting the pace with Red Bull and Verstappen the class of the field.
They, by some margin, have the quickest package on track as fears mount they could win every race this season. Verstappen is ideally placed to claim a third successive title and is well on his way to being regarded as one of the greats of the sport.
