Toto Wolff has revealed that he engaged in discussions with Max Verstappen’s management during the summer break about the possibility of the Dutchman joining Mercedes for the 2025 Formula 1 season.
Mercedes has been openly pursuing Verstappen for several months, hoping to secure the three-time world champion as a replacement for Lewis Hamilton, who is expected to move to Ferrari. Wolff believed there was a slim chance that Verstappen, whose current contract with Red Bull runs until the end of 2028, could be persuaded to switch teams amid the early-season turmoil at Red Bull. However, Wolff has now acknowledged that this move will not materialize for 2025.
“I thought throughout the year there was a window of opportunity, albeit a small one,” Wolff told Dutch media at Zandvoort. “Given the challenges at Red Bull, not just related to performance but also interpersonal dynamics, I thought there might be a chance. I’ve always had a good relationship with Jos, maybe because we’re somewhat alike, so I felt the door wasn’t completely shut.”
Wolff continued, “The odds were long—maybe 10 to one, or nine to one—but I didn’t want to give up hope. However, over the summer, we mutually decided it was best not to wait for something that might never happen. Max will stay at Red Bull, and we at Mercedes will focus on making our own driver decisions.”
Despite this setback, Wolff has not entirely abandoned the idea of Verstappen joining Mercedes in 2026, when new F1 regulations come into play. He expressed optimism that their paths may cross in the future.
“I appreciate the straightforwardness of Max, Raymond, and Jos. There’s no need for games; we’ve been in this business long enough,” Wolff said. “Our focus is on our current drivers for the next season, but that doesn’t mean the door is closed for Max in 2026 or beyond. We’re keeping our options open, and so is he. I have a feeling our paths will align at some point, though I can’t say exactly when—whether in 2026 or a few years later.”
In what could be seen as a significant hint, Wolff suggested that Mercedes’ rising star, Andrea Kimi Antonelli, might be promoted after just one season in Formula 2 to become George Russell’s teammate in the near future.
“Soon, we will announce who will fill the second seat,” Wolff added. “What I can say is that both drivers in our car will have our full support. We’re going into the 2025 season with two drivers who will be given every opportunity to succeed. That’s why I don’t want to speculate on the 2026 driver lineup right now—our focus is on making it work with George and Kimi.”
