Breaking: Toto Wolff’s Past Actions Could Hinder Max Verstappen’s M…read more
Breaking: Toto Wolff’s Past Actions Could Hinder Max Verstappen’s M…read more
Speculation is growing around Max Verstappen’s future at Red Bull, with uncertainty within the team sparking rumors of a possible switch to rivals Mercedes. However, a past incident involving Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff could be a major obstacle to such a move, according to a well-known Formula 1 pundit.
Helmut Marko, Red Bull’s director, recently admitted the team is concerned about Verstappen’s commitment, fueling talk of a potential exit. Although Wolff once viewed Verstappen as the ideal successor to Lewis Hamilton, he ultimately chose to promote 18-year-old Kimi Antonelli. Still, Wolff is believed to remain interested in the Dutch star if an opportunity arises.
Yet Sky Sports’ Ted Kravitz believes tensions from the fierce 2021 rivalry between Red Bull and Mercedes may complicate things. Specifically, Kravitz pointed to the British Grand Prix that year, where Verstappen crashed after contact with Hamilton. Wolff’s enthusiastic reaction to Hamilton’s win reportedly angered Verstappen, his father Jos, and his management team.
On The F1 Show, Kravitz explained: “
It’s not about Abu Dhabi, but about the Silverstone crash. Max and his camp were upset with Wolff for celebrating as if they’d won the title, despite Max being in hospital. That moment still hasn’t been forgotten by some around him.”
Verstappen has faced a tough start to the 2025 season, with just one victory in Japan so far. Heading into the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, he trails McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri in the championship standings. A sixth-place finish in Bahrain further highlighted Red Bull’s struggles.
With McLaren already holding a significant lead in the constructors’ race, Verstappen’s title hopes and his future remain uncertain. Whether a move to Mercedes is on the cards may depend as much on old grudges as it does on performance.
