Verstappen's Red Bull Exit: Wolff Keeps Watch

Wolff keeps a keen eye on Verstappen as tensions at Red Bull could push the star driver away.

Toto Wolff has stated that he would like to attract Max Verstappen, yet the head of Mercedes F1 also knows that the world’s best driver would not choose his team unless they can regain their winning form.

After all, Verstappen wants a car that can win, and Mercedes could not offer that… until this Sunday in Austria!

George Russell stood at the finish with the winner’s trophy in hand, ending a nearly two-year drought.

So will Wolff call the Verstappens? Will he take advantage of the very tense situation at Red Bull Racing?

After initially smiling, Wolff replied: “Well, right now, we need two drivers to crash at the front to win. I think we still need to look at ourselves and ask what we can do to have a car that can compete with those two drivers at the front.”

“And do it more regularly. I think this is the moment when we can say that we can be a destination for the best drivers, including Max. But we are not there yet. If I were him, I wouldn’t consider such a change just yet.”

Wolff expanded his remarks about the expected duo for 2025.

“Why would Max make the choice to leave for 2025? There are rumors, there’s an atmosphere at Red Bull, sure. But he wouldn’t leave because of the car; his is ultra-dominant. He can still win all the races, even though it’s becoming increasingly difficult. And a driver will always seek such a machine.”

“2026 is our pivotal year, when many things will change, and I think it could be very interesting for him to come drive for us, that Max might be free from his contract. All these movements of drivers are not the end of the story.”

Does this mean he is already ready to bet on a Russell – Antonelli duo for 2025?

“Everything Kimi has done in motorsport has been a success. He has won everything as a rookie and his karting record is impeccable. He will end up in a Mercedes F1 one day, that’s clear. The only question is when. Let’s wait, I don’t control the situation at Red Bull.”