Toto Wolff responds to Max Verstappen’s comments on staying at Red Bull

Max Verstappen has made it very clear that he would not exit Red Bull in any case.

Toto Wolff responds to Max Verstappen’s comments on staying at Red Bull

Toto Wolff and Max Verstappen (via IMAGO)

Lewis Hamilton‘s move to Ferrari opened up a vacancy at Mercedes for which Max Verstappen was a prime candidate. The Dutchman was rumored to consider a move to the German carmaker by the coming season. However, the 26-year-old made it clear he was not going to leave Red Bull for any other team. Mercedes boss, Toto Wolff has since responded to these comments.

Toto Wolff didn’t deny the possibility of Max Verstappen joining Mercedes previously. However, Verstappen subsequently claimed that even $250 Million wouldn’t see him exit Red Bull. Hence, since then, the Dutchman has continued to perform well with the Austrian constructor. Wolff was recently questioned regarding the entire matter during a press conference.

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The Austrian team principal still didn’t deny the possibility of Verstappen to Mercedes. The 52-year-old noted that during the interview, Max Verstappen didn’t clearly say ‘yes’ to the question about him staying at Red Bull. This meant the statement was open to interpretation for Mercedes heading into the 2025 season.

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I don't think he clearly said yes. But I wasn't there.
Toto Wolff said, as reported by OE24.

Toto Wolff believes ‘fast drivers’ will want to join Mercedes after having a fast car

Mercedes started the 2024 season off in an extremely struggling state. Brackley continued their ground-effect era struggles and couldn’t showcase any impressive results. However, the German carmaker has implemented multiple upgrades which saw a huge improvement in performance for the team. Hence, Wolff noted that for Max Verstappen to join Brackley, they would need a potent challenger.

Toto Wolff and Lewis Hamilton
Toto Wolff and Lewis Hamilton (Via Imago)

Verstappen’s stay at Red Bull is currently facilitated by the most dominant chassis on the grid in the 2024 season. Hence, Wolff reckoned that the ‘free seat’ at Mercedes would stay free as long as possible to enable the Dutchman’s entry. Additionally, the Mercedes boss added that a faster challenger by the team would further attract fast drivers to join the team.

As I keep saying: We keep our free seat free as long as possible. First and foremost, we have to make our car faster. If the car drives fast, fast drivers will also want to drive with us.
Toto Wolff added.

The rest of the 2024 season will be used to implement further in-season upgrades to improve performance. Mercedes has showcased great improvement since the beginning and could only go up. Hence, it will be exciting to witness the second driver at Brackley during the 2025 season.

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