Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff confirms that discussions have indeed taken place with four-time world champion Max Verstappen. According to the Austrian, it was his duty as team boss to inquire about the Dutchman’s future plans. Although Verstappen will remain with Red Bull for the time being, Wolff estimates that he still has a ‘fifty percent’ chance of contracting the driver to the Silver Arrows in the future.
The question that preoccupied the paddock before the summer break was whether Max Verstappen was considering a switch to Mercedes. The pursuit of both the Dutch driver and Toto Wolff even extended to Sardinia, with AI photos of the two supposedly disembarking from a plane being widely shared. This was until Verstappen himself put an end to the rumors in Hungary by confirming he would stay with Red Bull.
Wolff Laughs Off Speculations and Discusses Verstappen
Team principal Wolff found humor in the speculations, particularly the AI-generated photos. “I believe there are even adult films with my face on them,” he shared in Zandvoort. “But I’ve learned not to take everything that’s said, made, and written too personally.” The Austrian sees the advantage in all the stories surrounding Max Verstappen and Mercedes. “At the same time, all this media attention is good for Formula 1. I’d rather have this, with all its negative aspects, than no interest at all.”
Verstappen as the Best Driver
This wasn’t the first time Verstappen was linked to Mercedes. In 2024, rumors of a possible Mercedes transfer were already circulating in the paddock. Wolff confirms that conversations with the Dutch world champion did indeed take place. “I also told George Russell that as a team boss, it’s my duty to find out what a four-time world champion will do in the future. Every driver will admit that Max is probably the best driver at the moment. That’s no secret. So far, we’ve never managed to collaborate with Max.”
Potential Future Collaboration with Verstappen
However, Wolff does not rule out a future collaboration with the current Red Bull driver. “Max and I get along well on a personal level. We’re on the same wavelength. Our views on various matters, including racing, are often the same. Does this mean our paths might cross someday?” Wolff openly wonders. “It’s quite possible, a fifty percent chance. If it’s right from both sides.”
