Is Red Bull worried by Toto Wolff’s attempts to sign Max Verstappen?

Red Bull seems to be concerned by Mercedes' interest in potentially trying to sign Max Verstappen.

Is Red Bull worried by Toto Wolff’s attempts to sign Max Verstappen?

Toto Wolff, Christian Horner and Max Verstappen (via IMAGO)

Red Bull Racing has invested heavily in Max Verstappen for the past decade. Ever since the Dutchman made his debut with Toro Rosso in 2015, he has been an integral part of the Austrian team’s F1 plans. However, it seems that Mercedes is going to try its best to try and take Verstappen away from Milton Keynes.

Max Verstappen is currently contracted to Red Bull till the end of 2028. The Dutch driver has made it clear that he’s happy at the Austrian team as he continues to dominate the grid. However, Verstappen previously asserted that he would stay at the team which gives him the best chance of winning.

YouTube video

Toto Wolff has admitted that Mercedes first needs to improve its car to have a chance at signing Verstappen. Recently, even Mercedes CEO Ola Kallenius hinted his interest in poaching Max Verstappen for 2026. Christian Horner has made it clear that the Dutch driver will race for Red Bull in response of these claims. As such, Is Red Bull worried by Toto Wolff’s attempts to sign Max Verstappen?

FS Video

Max Verstappen’s future depends on the most capable car on the grid

Max Verstappen had previously claimed that even a $250 million offer from Mercedes won’t make him leave Red Bull if the Silver Arrows don’t have a good car. As such, for the time being, one could argue that Christian Horner has nothing to worry about in the short term. However, with the inevitable convergence on the grid, things could change.

Christian Horner and Max Verstappen
Christian Horner and Max Verstappen (Via: Imago)

Mercedes has made strides in car development this year. With George Russell coming close to defeating Verstappen at the Canadian GP. Red Bull is facing stiff competition, forcing Max Verstappen to push himself to the limit to win races. This could raise doubts for the Dutchman in terms of his future at Milton Keynes.

Moreover, Red Bull will be developing its own power units for 2026 in partnership with Ford. This remains a big gamble for the Austrian team. On the other hand, Mercedes has perhaps the best track record in terms of power units for the start of new regulations. This might be the biggest factor if Max Verstappen does consider his options apart from Red Bull.

Certainly, Christian Horner is aware that despite having Verstappen contracted till 2028, anything can happen. Red Bull will be hoping to push itself to the limit to assure the Dutchman that the Austrian team remains the best team for the foreseeable future. However, it remains to be seen how things pan out for the reigning world champions in the remainder of the 2024 season.

In case you missed it: