Toto Wolff asserts that Max Verstappen will not depart from Red Bull to join Mercedes after this season. In a press conference, Wolff and Verstappen expressed that it will take some time for the Dutch driver to make the switch to Mercedes. Despite Verstappen publicly expressing interest in Mercedes in recent weeks, Wolff believes that he will remain with his current team for the 2025 season.
Wolff stated that Mercedes’ primary objective is to convince Verstappen to join them in 2026. He explained that there is no incentive for Verstappen to consider joining Mercedes in 2025 because Red Bull currently possesses a dominant car. The RB20 is performing exceptionally well, to the extent that the 26-year-old driver could potentially win every race moving forward. Wolff surmised that as long as Red Bull maintains a faster pace than Mercedes, Verstappen would have no desire to switch teams. Recently, Wolff responded to Verstappen’s claims about staying at Red Bull.
The Austrian billionaire clarified that 2026 is the year when Formula 1 will undergo significant changes, and Mercedes may become the leading team. There is a strong possibility that Mercedes could attract top-tier drivers in 2026. Verstappen is considered the top driver in this context, as Wolff believes it would be a favorable opportunity to bring someone of his caliber to the team. However, Wolff expressed uncertainty regarding Verstappen’s ability to break free from his existing contract with Red Bull.
During qualifying, Max Verstappen set the fastest lap and emerged victorious in the Sprint race over the weekend. Mercedes trailed behind the Dutch driver by 8 seconds, with their highest-placed car finishing in fourth position. Wolff commended Verstappen for his exceptional performance, stating that he was operating on a completely different level compared to the other drivers. The 26-year-old driver’s speed and skill were so remarkable that he left everyone else far behind.
Wolff pointed out that George Russell, who finished in fourth position, was 12 kph slower than Verstappen’s car. This speed differential makes it challenging for Mercedes to effectively compete with Red Bull. Wolff’s comment highlights the gap between Mercedes and Red Bull, underscoring the difficulty they face in keeping up with the speed and skills of the three-time world champions.
Undoubtedly, Toto Wolff was greatly impressed by Max Verstappen’s performance in qualifying and the Sprint race. Judging by the margin between Verstappen and the trailing drivers, Wolff may already have an inkling of who the victor will be in Sunday’s race. Fans are thrilled to witness the exceptional display of the Dutch driver at their home race at the Red Bull Ring.