“I don’t flirt outside,” Toto Wolff gives clear verdict over not signing Max Verstappen for Mercedes
Toto Wolff claims he had straightforward discussions with Max Verstappen's family and was not engaged in any secret deals with other drivers.
Toto Wolff and Max Verstappen (via IMAGO)
After Lewis Hamilton’s departure, Mercedes Team boss Toto Wolff set his sights on Max Verstappen as the next successor for the Silver Arrows. However, the Dutchman is under contract with Red Bull, with an exit clause allowing him to leave before 2028. Recently, Mercedes announced the signing of Kimi Antonelli for the 2025 season. This has shut down any possibility of bringing Verstappen to the team.
Toto Wolff during an interview in Monza explained that he appreciated how easy and direct his interactions were with Jos and Max Verstappen. He mentioned that while discussing his future they talked straightforwardly with no complications. The Mercedes boss gave a clear response that he will focus completely on Antonelli and Russell for the foreseeable future instead of attempting to go after Verstappen. Wolff also mentioned that he doesn’t try to create secret deals or have private discussions with other teams or drivers.
What I appreciated in dealing with them [Verstappen’s team], it’s just very straightforward, I don’t flirt outside...This is why all of our focus in the team is on George and Kimi, and that’s what I also said. There’s no discussion, there’s no second thoughts about what are doing in 2026, because now it’s about 2024 and 2025.Toto Wolff told Formula1.com
The news of Lewis Hamilton leaving the team caught Wolff by surprise, but he stayed focused on his team’s success. He explained that despite this uncertainty, he didn’t begin the talks with other drivers immediately. Instead, Wolff put his energy into supporting his team and making sure everything worked out. The 52-year-old’s priority was to do everything possible to make the team successful during that time. As such, Toto Wolff was no longer going to try and lure Verstappen to Mercedes. However, recently Nico Rosberg said, Wolff still wants Verstappen even after signing the 18-year-old.
I’ve always said it, I got maybe caught out by the whole situation [of Hamilton leaving], but I’ve not entertained any discussions with any drivers when giving it all from the team to make it a success.Toto Wolff added.
Toto Wolff asserts no second thoughts after signing Kimi Antonelli over Max Verstappen
Toto Wolff stated that the team’s full attention is on George Russell and Kimi Antonelli, their current and upcoming drivers. He emphasized that there is no need for any discussion or second guessing about the team’s plan for 2026. Presently, Mercedes’ entire focus is on 2024 and 2025.
This is why all of our focus in the team is on George and Kimi, and that’s what I also said. There’s no discussion, there’s no second thoughts about what we are doing in 2026, because now it’s about 2024 and 2025.Toto Wolff stated.
Certainly, Wolff made it clear that they’re not going to think about Max Verstappen for 2026 as now they’ve already signed Kimi Antonelli. Currently, they are concentrating on the present and making sure that Russell and Antonelli are set up for success in the near future.
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Gaurang Kadam
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