Max Verstappen had been at the center of speculation about a potential move from Red Bull to Mercedes. This topic gained traction when Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff admitted to engaging in discussions with Verstappen’s camp during Formula 1’s summer break. However, while these talks were held, Wolff has acknowledged that Verstappen will not be joining Mercedes in 2025. That said, he remains interested in securing the Dutchman’s services in 2026, despite the discussions concluding without an immediate agreement.
Throughout the first half of the season, Wolff has been openly pursuing Verstappen, following the decision of Mercedes’ long-standing driver, Lewis Hamilton, to move to Ferrari next year. The speculation around Verstappen’s potential switch heightened as the season headed into the Dutch Grand Prix weekend. Wolff revealed that he had discussions over the summer with Verstappen’s manager, Raymond Vermeulen, and his father, Jos Verstappen.
Reflecting on these talks, Wolff shared with Dutch reporters at Zandvoort that he had initially believed there was a slight chance of securing Verstappen’s move to Mercedes. He described the situation as “pretty bumpy ground,” noting that there were both performance-related and interpersonal factors to consider, which everyone involved was aware of. Wolff mentioned that his longstanding good relationship with Jos Verstappen had left the door slightly ajar for a potential deal. However, as discussions progressed over the summer, both parties concluded that it would be better not to wait for something that might not materialize for 2025. Instead, they agreed that Verstappen should remain at Red Bull while Mercedes focuses on its own driver lineup for the upcoming seasons.
In light of these developments, Wolff hinted at a significant change in Mercedes’ driver strategy, potentially involving the young Italian driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli. Speculation has been growing that Antonelli, who will soon turn 18, might replace Lewis Hamilton in the team. Wolff fueled this speculation further by suggesting that Antonelli could partner with George Russell in the 2025 season. Although he did not confirm this outright, Wolff emphasized that both drivers who would be in the car would receive the full support of the team, and he was committed to giving them every opportunity to succeed.
However, Wolff also made it clear that Mercedes was not closing the door on Verstappen entirely. Despite Verstappen’s contract with Red Bull running until the end of the 2028 season, there have been hints from both Verstappen and Red Bull team principal Christian Horner that an earlier departure might be possible. Although Red Bull has been dominant since the regulatory changes in 2022, Mercedes is optimistic about regaining its competitive edge with the next set of new rules in 2026. Wolff noted that while he is focused on supporting Russell and Antonelli, he is also keen to keep the possibility of signing Verstappen open for the future.
Wolff appreciated the straightforward nature of his conversations with Verstappen’s camp, noting that there were no hidden agendas, and both sides were clear about their positions. Wolff admitted to having a “feeling” that Verstappen and Mercedes might eventually join forces, though he was uncertain when that could happen—whether in 2026 or later. He expressed a desire to remain flexible and open to all options, emphasizing that neither side had shut the door on a potential future collaboration.
On the other hand, Christian Horner, the team principal of Red Bull, reiterated that Verstappen had never been available to Mercedes for the 2025 season. Speaking to Sky Sports News, Horner stressed that both Red Bull and Verstappen were clear about their agreement, and the idea of Verstappen joining Mercedes was never a possibility. Horner expressed confidence that Mercedes had carefully considered its options and commended Wolff for his willingness to take a risk with a young driver like Antonelli, should he be given the seat.
Horner’s remarks underscored the strong bond between Verstappen and Red Bull, where he has thrived since being promoted to the senior team at the age of 18. As the discussions around Mercedes’ future driver lineup continue, Wolff’s comments suggest that while the immediate focus is on supporting Russell and a potential new young driver, the door remains open for Verstappen to join Mercedes in the future, should circumstances align.
As the Formula 1 season resumes, the attention will likely continue to focus on these driver dynamics, with fans and pundits alike eager to see how the lineups for 2025 and beyond will shape up. Wolff’s acknowledgment of the complexities involved in driver negotiations and his openness to future possibilities with Verstappen suggest that the story is far from over, and the sport’s landscape could still see significant changes in the coming years.
Max Verstappen: Mercedes boss Toto Wolff reveals Shocking summer talks with Red Bull driver over 2025 seat
