Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has insisted that Max Verstappen "needs" to join the Silver Arrows at some point in his career.

Lewis Hamilton's exit next year has opened up a seat and Wolff has made no secret of his desire to fill it with the reigning world champion.

“It’s the kind of relationship that needs to happen at a certain stage," Wolff told Fox Sports. "But we don’t know when."

When asked directly if Verstappen was his number one target to replace Hamilton, Wolff replied: “Yes, I mean, you see what his performance levels are. But I wouldn’t want to discount the other ones too.

“I think we’ve got to look at ourselves and [ask] what is it we can do with this car. Then it becomes much easier, whoever drives the second car, it’s become much easier for George (Russell) because he has the potential of being a World Champion and so much more.

“It’s the team’s problem to solve really, rather than looking for a silver bullet with an amazing driver.”