F1 Pundit Hits out at Toto Wolff over Failed Max Verstappen Poaching Attempt

Peter Windsor fired shots at Toto Wolff for focusing on poaching Max Verstappen from Red Bull rather than the issues at Mercedes.

F1 Pundit Hits out at Toto Wolff over Failed Max Verstappen Poaching Attempt

Toto Wolff (via Getty), Max Verstappen (via Red Bull)

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Max Verstappen was the center of attraction on the F1 grid for multiple weeks because of his Red Bull exit rumors. The rumors intensified as Verstappen refused to comment on the matter. Toto Wolff‘s interest in poaching Verstappen from Milton Keynes was not unknown, as the former likely gave it his all to sign the 27-year-old in his squad. However, the reigning world champion showed loyalty to his outfit and refused to jump ship to Brackley. As such, F1 pundit Peter Windsor slams Wolff for even trying to sign the four-time champ in his squad.

Toto Wolff‘s interest in Max Verstappen did not seem to calm down despite finding stability in the current Mercedes drivers’ lineup with George Russell and Kimi Antonelli. The 53-year-old still hoped that Verstappen would join the German carmaker and return the team to its glory days. However, the Dutchman confirmed his stay at Red Bull as he is likely not to leave the outfit anytime soon.

Speaking on a failed Max Verstappen move to Mercedes once again, Peter Windsor did not mince his words. Windsor slammed Toto Wolff and others who caused the rumors of Verstappen’s move to Brackley. The 73-year-old questioned Wolff about why he even needed the Dutchman in the first place. The Aussie pointed out that the Mercedes boss had George Russell already, and the solution to his problems wasn’t to simply sign the reigning world champion.

What does he need Max for? He’s got George Russell. It’s not Ferrari. His solution is not to have Max. His solution is to have a better car.

Peter Windsor said on @Cameron-Cc YouTube channel

Peter Windsor further called out Toto Wolff to straighten his priorities at Mercedes, which was to focus on George Russell. The 73-year-old recalled that Wolff even failed to poach Adrian Newey from Red Bull, which left some lingering frustration. Windsor also asserted that Russell has the talent to win a drivers’ title if given a competitive car, something that Wolff must work on delivering.

He failed to get Adrian Newey, and now he needs to focus on having a better car for George Russell. There’s no good car in the world with which George Russell wouldn’t win a world championship.

Peter Windsor added

Peter Windsor declares Toto Wolff’s ‘priorities’ in wrong place

Mercedes’ performance isn’t up to the mark in the 2025 season as they seem to lose out massively in running against Ferrari and McLaren. While Toto Wolff could do a better job at handling the team and ensuring better performances in the races, instead, he focused on acquiring Max Verstappen. As such, Peter Windsor slammed the 53-year-old for having his priorities all in the wrong place.

Toto Wolff (via planetf1)
Toto Wolff (via planetf1)

Peter Windsor noted that Mercedes’ focus needed to be on George Russell and providing him a car good enough to win the drivers’ title. The Australian believes that the team doesn’t need Max Verstappen to become a championship-winning force. Windsor also took a dig at Ferrari while declaring that Toto Wolff’s priorities were all in the wrong place if he really focused on acquiring Verstappen.

It’s all about the car, and they’ve got George Russell, you give him a good car, he’s gonna win a world championship for you, absolutely for sure, they don’t need Max for that. So again, a little bit like Ferrari, Toto got his priorities completely wrong. If indeed he was spending so much time trying to get Max.

Peter Windsor noted

The 2025 season is halfway over, and Mercedes needs to desperately work on their performance. A constructors’ championship contention seems to be almost impossible as they can give up on that hope. Also, the team has reportedly stopped working on the challenger of this season as they start to prepare for the new regulations in the 2026 season.

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