Wolff concedes a misstep with Verstappens amidst 2021 tensions.
Mercedes F1 and Max Verstappen have been long-standing rivals, yet Toto Wolff, the Brackley team’s director, insists that there has always been an understanding and mutual respect between the two camps, dating back to their initial meeting in late 2014 when the young Dutchman was seeking a Formula 1 opportunity.
Although he has ruled out Verstappen’s signing for 2025 with Mercedes F1, indirectly confirming a Russell-Antonelli lineup, the Austrian admits to an error in his relationship with Max and his father, Jos.
“We have maintained very good relations since Max first appeared on our radar, driving single-seaters,” Wolff stated. “Our meeting in my living room in Vienna was their first major Formula 1 meeting, and we have always understood how things needed to work for them and for us. That mutual respect has always remained.”
The 2021 season brought significant tensions between Mercedes and Red Bull, with Jos Verstappen publicly resenting Wolff for not checking on Max after his massive crash at Silverstone.
The Austrian now acknowledges that it was a mistake on his part and that he should have inquired about the driver’s condition, who had been taken to the hospital for a medical check-up. However, he excuses himself by noting that he had received updates about the Dutchman.
“I think we had a moment of respite after Silverstone. I think that season really did damage to us all. It was so intense that each of us felt that things were not right. Where it really went wrong is that I made a mistake after Silverstone.”
“I did not call Jos on the day, which I should have done, but I refrained from calling because we were so upset about the entire situation, and because Paul Monaghan had informed me in the pit lane that Max was fine and there was nothing out of the ordinary.”
“In a way, I relied on that information, rather than picking up the phone and calling Jos as I would have done in previous years, and asking him, ‘Is Max alright?’ I have a child who karts. I understand what it feels like as a father, and that was not at the forefront of my mind.”
Over a year to process 2021
The rivalry often crossed the limits, on track and off, and Wolff admits that it took time to digest the intense 2021 season, concluded by chaotic races and the championship decision by the FIA in Abu Dhabi, and it was not until 2023 that they restored a healthy relationship.
“Clearly, after the debacle in Abu Dhabi and the races leading up to Saudi Arabia, we were not in a good place. The following year, we were on the same wavelength, we found ourselves in a good situation, and today, or over the last two years, it has been as good as it was in the beginning.”
Wolff reveals he envisages working with Max Verstappen someday: “Yes, that’s true. In one way or another, I have that feeling. But I don’t know when it will be, whether it’s in 2026 or three years later. I don’t know yet.”
“If we have our drivers and we are satisfied with the team, and we believe it’s the best possible situation for us at that time, then I would not be averse to it. Because we believe that’s what’s best for Mercedes.”
- You may also like>Official: Albon Disqualified, Loses Eighth Grid Position
- Also make sure you follow us on social media>Facebook and>Twitter
2021 Strains Fray Wolff-Verstappen Bond, Admits Error 2021 Strains Fray Wolff-Verstappen Bond, Admits Error
