Toto Wolff and Max Verstappen keeping in 'open communication...

Toto Wolff and Max Verstappen keeping in ‘open communication’ over Mercedes switch

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff is not dismissing the possibility of a future collaboration with Max Verstappen, despite the imminent confirmation of Kimi Antonelli as Lewis Hamilton’s successor at the team.

While Mercedes is close to securing Antonelli, a promising young driver, to pair with George Russell from 2025, Wolff remains interested in Verstappen, the current three-time Formula 1 champion.

Rumors have been swirling about Verstappen’s potential exit from Red Bull, particularly if key figures within the team leave. This has fueled speculation about Verstappen possibly joining Mercedes as early as next year.

However, with Antonelli set to join the team in 2025, the chances of Verstappen making the move sooner seem unlikely.

Yet, the possibility of Verstappen switching to Mercedes in 2026, when significant regulation changes will take place in Formula 1, is still being considered.

Wolff told the BBC that he is maintaining open lines of communication with Verstappen’s camp, emphasizing the mutual understanding between them.

The strained relationship between Jos Verstappen, Max’s father, and Red Bull team principal Christian Horner could potentially benefit Wolff’s pursuit of Verstappen.

Moreover, the once-significant performance gap between Red Bull and other teams has diminished.

While Red Bull dominated at the start of the season, the competition has tightened, with McLaren now on par and Mercedes and Ferrari not far behind. Wolff acknowledged that Red Bull’s dominance has shifted from being car-based to being more about Verstappen’s individual performance.

He also hinted at internal tensions within Red Bull, suggesting that the team dynamics are not as harmonious as they once were.

Wolff mentioned that there was a window of opportunity to discuss potential future collaborations with Verstappen, and that Mercedes had indeed explored these possibilities.

While no deal is currently in place, the discussions indicate that Wolff is keeping his options open for the future, especially as the Formula 1 landscape continues to evolve.