Toto Wolff hasn’t given up on his pursuit of Max Verstappen, even though the reigning world champion won’t race for the team in 2025. Wolff tried to sign Verstappen to replace Lewis Hamilton.
Though he’s technically under contract at Red Bull until the end of 2028, Verstappen’s deal features multiple exit clauses. He wouldn’t have made such a long-term commitment without any way out.
However, the Dutchman wasn’t ready to leave the Milton Keynes outfit when Wolff approached him earlier this year. That’s despite mounting frustration with the team’s trajectory.
Verstappen recently went 10 races without a victory, which forced him firmly onto the defensive in the title fight. While he spectacularly ended that drought in Brazil, it was an abnormal race after a torrential downpour.
Come the final three races of the season, Red Bull may return to their role as F1’s third-fastest team. Verstappen has found the car difficult to drive.
Mercedes have signed Kimi Antonelli alongside George Russell for 2025. If Verstappen makes himself available for 2026, those drivers could effectively be going head-to-head for the seat alongside him.
Toto Wolff says he gets on ‘very well’ with Mercedes target Max Verstappen
During an appearance on the High Performance podcast, Wolff discussed his relationship with Verstappen. While he didn’t set out a timeline, he once again opened the door to a future move.
“Max is a great driver and an interesting personality,” he said. “God knows what happens in the future.”
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