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Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has revealed ongoing discussions with Max Verstappen about a potential future with the team, despite the Red Bull driver’s current contract running until 2028. In an exclusive interview with BBC Sport, Wolff acknowledged that while a move for the 2024 season is off the table, an “open communication channel” remains with Verstappen and his management.
Wolff’s approach earlier this year was spurred by internal disruptions at Red Bull, following serious allegations against team principal Christian Horner. Although Wolff admitted the chances of securing Verstappen were slim, he believed it was worth exploring due to the instability at Red Bull.
“Red Bull was the dominant car at the beginning of the season, and that changed a bit. It’s Max Verstappen dominant at the moment,” Wolff said. “There was an opportunity to at least have conversations about what it could be in the future, and this is what we did.”
Despite Verstappen’s strong ties to Red Bull, his father Jos remains in conflict with Horner, although Horner has been cleared by internal investigations. Verstappen, speaking at the Dutch Grand Prix, confirmed his rapport with Wolff, stating, “He’s very open about what’s happening within his team.”
Looking ahead, Wolff was non-committal about 2026, focusing on the immediate future of Mercedes. With Lewis Hamilton’s departure to Ferrari, Wolff has turned his attention to promoting 18-year-old Andrea Kimi Antonelli, a Mercedes junior driver, to the F1 team alongside George Russell. Antonelli, currently in his first season of Formula 2, is set to make his F1 practice debut at the Italian Grand Prix, signaling Mercedes’ commitment to nurturing young talent.
Wolff emphasized the need to provide a supportive environment for Antonelli’s development, acknowledging the challenges of stepping into F1 at such a young age. “You will only find out if someone is ready for F1 when you throw them in the cold water,” Wolff noted.
The decision to fast-track Antonelli into F1 played a significant role in Hamilton’s move to Ferrari, with Wolff initially offering Hamilton a short-term deal in anticipation of Antonelli’s readiness. Despite Hamilton’s departure, Wolff expressed no regrets, viewing the change as beneficial for both the driver and the team.
As Mercedes regains its competitive edge with recent victories, Wolff is optimistic about the team’s future. Reflecting on the challenges of the past two seasons, he noted the team’s perseverance and the breakthroughs that have returned them to the winner’s circle.
Wolff remains committed to his role at Mercedes, enjoying the challenges and successes of leading the team. “I see myself in that role for a while,” he said, hinting at his long-term plans with the team before potentially stepping back in the future.
