“I Was Swimming in the Ocean,” Max Verstappen Refutes Claims of Meeting Toto Wolff on Secret Italy Trip

Max Verstappen broke his silence on rumors of having a secret meeting with Toto Wolff in Italy last week.

“I Was Swimming in the Ocean,” Max Verstappen Refutes Claims of Meeting Toto Wolff on Secret Italy Trip

Toto Wolff and Max Verstappen (images via IMAGO)

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Max Verstappen has long been rumored to be interested in joining Mercedes. Red Bull Racing is currently in a period of turmoil which might force the Dutchman to search for greener pastures. The rumors peaked when Verstappen was in Sardinia, Italy at the same time as Mercedes boss Toto Wolff. However, the reigning world champion has now dismissed such speculation.

The Red Bull star dominated Formula 1 at the start of the ground-effect era and shattered several records. However, 2025 has been far different as Milton Keynes struggles to match McLaren. Tensions within the Austrian team even led to Christian Horner’s exit after the British GP. The entire situation hinted that Max Verstappen might be willing to place his bets on Mercedes for next year.

The reported visit to Italy was seen as perhaps the final meeting between Verstappen and Wolff before signing the deal. However, Toto Wolff has also refuted these claims.

Max Verstappen made it clear that he took a trip with his family and friends to Italy to visit the beach. The Dutchman spent his time swimming in the ocean. The reigning world champion made it clear that he wasn’t bothered over Toto Wolff being in the same place during the same time, asserting that he held no such meeting with the Austrian billionaire.

I was swimming in the ocean at the time, so I don’t know. Those kind of things don’t really matter to me. I was on vacation with my friends and my family. If there are other people there at the same time, that can happen.

Max Verstappen said, as quoted by RacingNews365

Max Verstappen gives hilarious response to Mercedes rumors

The fact that Max Verstappen was not having a meeting with Toto Wolff in Italy should be enough to stop the rumor mill. However, there is still speculation that the 27-year-old was indeed making progress with the Silver Arrows for a drive next year.

Max Verstappen and Kimi Antonelli (via Red Bull)
Max Verstappen and Kimi Antonelli (via Red Bull)

Max Verstappen was asked if there was still a chance for such a possibility. The reigning world champion gave a hilarious response, claiming that there’s always a chance that one doesn’t wake up the following morning. The Dutchman admitted that life is unpredictable, but as of now, he had no intentions of changing teams. Rather, Verstappen was adamant on wanting to finish his F1 career at Milton Keynes.

There is also a chance that I won’t wake up tomorrow. Then I won’t drive at all. Life is unpredictable. But overall I’m very happy with where I am and that was also the goal we set when we made a new deal, that I can drive here until the end of my career.

Max Verstappen said, as quoted by GPBlog

Certainly, Max Verstappen is seemingly trying to finally put an end to Mercedes rumors. The Dutchman might’ve finally made up his mind on wanting to stay at Red Bull. Perhaps, Horner’s shock exit influenced Verstappen’s decision. However, the driver market can change at any moment until there’s official confirmation from Red Bull Racing.

Read More: Ex-F1 Driver Declares Max Verstappen to Make Mercedes Decision in Summer Break