Mercedes boss Toto Wolff envisions thrilling Formula 1 season minus Max Verstappen

Mercedes' head honcho, Toto Wolff, has expressed his conviction that the ongoing Formula 1 campaign would transform into a "spectacular" season were it not for the presence of Red Bull's driver, Max Verstappen.

While Red Bull have exerted dominance throughout the entirety of the year thus far, the lion's share of their success has been orchestrated by Verstappen, who has clinched victory in 10 out of the 12 races.

The Dutchman currently holds an impressive 125-point lead in the Drivers' Championship, leaving his teammate Sergio Perez in his wake. The Mexican has managed to secure two Grand Prix wins this season; however, he has encountered a protracted period of struggling form, failing to advance into the final qualifying segment in five consecutive instances between the Monaco and British Grands Prix.

Although Red Bull have remained largely unchallenged, several teams trailing behind have exhibited competitive performance on varying occasions. Mercedes occupies the second spot in the Constructors' standings, boasting a comfortable 51-point lead over Aston Martin.

Perez, positioned in second place, enjoys a 40-point lead over Fernando Alonso, who clings to a slim one-point advantage over the seven-time World Champion, Lewis Hamilton.

Addressing concerns about the current season's predictability, Wolff concedes that the year's excitement quotient would substantially amplify if Verstappen were absent from the Red Bull RB19.

"Indeed, one must simply eliminate Max from the equation," he conveyed to the media. "The secondary Red Bull slot is where we find ourselves."

"It would be an exhilarating season of closely contested races. Regrettably, the chronometer corroborates a singular individual in a solitary car that outperforms the rest."

"Our task is to narrow the gap. We're left with no alternative."

Formula 1 is presently on its summer hiatus and is set to resume with the Dutch Grand Prix on 28 August at Circuit Zandvoort.