Toto Wolff U-turns over Max Verstappen as Red Bull play ... Read

Toto Wolff U-turns over Max Verstappen as Red Bull play Mercedes at their own game

Toto Wolff, the team principal of Mercedes, has recently acknowledged that it might be time for him to step back from his public pursuit of Max Verstappen, the reigning world champion from Red Bull Racing. Wolff stated that he is satisfied with his current driver lineup, which consists of George Russell and rising star Kimi Antonelli. This shift in focus comes after Christian Horner, the team principal of Red Bull, hinted that the team is keeping an eye on Russell’s contract situation as they look ahead to potential changes in 2026.

Wolff’s interest in Verstappen has been apparent since the confirmation of Lewis Hamilton’s impending move to Ferrari at the beginning of February. The speculation surrounding Verstappen intensified as Wolff actively sought to bring him to Mercedes for the 2025 season. However, with Mercedes unable to secure the Dutch driver’s signature, the door remains open for a possible acquisition in 2026, a situation that could present an interesting dilemma for Wolff and the Mercedes team.

To successfully onboard Verstappen, Wolff would likely have to part ways with either Antonelli or Russell—two drivers he holds in high regard due to their connections with the Mercedes junior program. Both drivers have shown promise and have been integral to Mercedes’ strategy moving forward. This emotional attachment complicates any potential negotiations for Verstappen, as Wolff has invested time and resources into nurturing their careers.

In light of these considerations, Wolff has decided to dial back his public interest in Verstappen. He spoke to Autosport, sharing his thoughts on the matter: “We’re sitting back. I think I’ve expressed it before, and we have a similar view also from Max’s side: you’ve got to put faith in your drivers or in your team. You need to give it the maximum support you can to make it a success. And only if things go really wrong will you consider other opportunities.”

Wolff went on to liken his previous interest in Verstappen to “flirting outside” while attempting to strengthen an existing relationship. He emphasized that it’s crucial to commit to the current drivers and give them the backing they need to thrive. “It doesn’t work; I’m not flirting outside. Only if I want to have a change or consider a change would I seek a conversation. And it is the same on his side. We’re pretty aligned in our values on that, I think,” he added.

These comments come at a pivotal moment, especially with Horner’s recent remarks during the Singapore Grand Prix. Horner hinted that Red Bull is contemplating potential successors for Verstappen and current teammate Sergio Perez. He mentioned, “We just want to take time to consider what those options look like for the future – and we’re not afraid to go out of the pool. George Russell is out of contract at the end of next year. It would be foolish not to take that into consideration. There are other talented drivers that could well be out of contract as well.”

In response to Horner’s remarks, Wolff was quick to dismiss the notion that Russell could leave Mercedes. “Christian is always trying to stir things up,” he retorted. “It’s part of the game. George is a Mercedes driver, has been forever, and hopefully will be forever. We have a long contract with him.”

The exchange highlights the competitive dynamics between Mercedes and Red Bull, with both teams looking to secure the best talent for the future. Wolff’s statements indicate a desire to focus on the strengths of his current lineup rather than engage in speculative discussions about driver changes. It reflects a strategic approach to team building, emphasizing loyalty and the importance of nurturing talent from within.

In conclusion, while the future of driver contracts remains uncertain, Wolff’s commitment to Russell and Antonelli underscores Mercedes’ intent to develop its existing drivers rather than chase big names like Verstappen without cause. As both teams navigate the complexities of driver contracts and potential changes, the F1 landscape will continue to evolve, with each principal aiming to secure the best possible line-up for upcoming seasons. Wolff’s recent comments serve as a reminder that, despite the allure of star drivers, building a cohesive team and fostering loyalty can be equally, if not more, valuable in the highly competitive world of Formula 1.