Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff insists that Max Verstappen is not guaranteed to continue with Red Bull. As the Silver Arrows struggle to find results on the track, their team boss is having no issues in creating headlines away from it. Wolff believes Verstappen’s future is not completely tied to the reigning Champions. He goes one step further, suggesting that factors beyond pure performance will impact his destination in 2025 and beyond.
Once again, Mercedes were disappointed with their performance in Shanghai. Although Hamilton managed to execute a brilliant P2 in the Sprint Race, the team crashed back to reality on Sunday.
The German constructor was fifth fastest on Sunday. Aston Martin’s strategy (limited by tyre availability) was the only reason Alonso finished behind George Russell at the chequered flag. Still, unless the W15’s updates in Miami produce something special, Red Bull is far away.
In this context, Mercedes is slightly less attractive in the driver market than in previous years. This is especially true because Kimi Antonelli – who recently completed F1 tests with the team – is waiting in the wings. The 17-year-old’s entry into the team is largely seen as a matter of time.
Therefore, Mercedes is a more complicated destination for the likes of Carlos Sainz – for example.
Meanwhile, Max Verstappen is currently dominating Formula 1 with Red Bull. Despite the Austrian team’s internal fighting, it would take something extraordinary for Verstappen to leave for Mercedes. At least, this is what it appears like on paper.
(Photo by Peter Fox/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool
TOTO WOLFF ON VERSTAPPEN
However, Toto Wolff believes that performance is not the only variable that will impact Verstappen’s decision:
“For Max, there are so many factors that play a role for a driver joining,” total-motorsport quotes him as saying.
“Clearly, when you look at it from a regional point of view, you can see the quickest car in the hands of the quickest driver.
“But I don’t think this is the only reason you stay where you are.
“I think for, let’s say, simple minds, that might be the only reason you stay in a car – and that’s it. But maybe there are more depths to some people that consider other factors.
“And I think Max has more depth in that respect.”
In many ways, Toto Wolff is probably happier to discuss driver-related topics than in previous seasons. For once, driver speculation could be a welcome misdirection as the Silver Arrows struggle.
This is not to suggest his interest in Verstappen isn’t real. Nor is it to dismiss the fact that – despite recent performance – Mercedes is still a very attractive destination for 2026.
With that said, Verstappen’s continuation at Red Bull is still the expectation. Only time will tell if this consensus is proven wrong.
