Toto Wolff insists Mercedes ‘door open’ for Max Verstappen amidst 2026 switch rumors

Toto Wolff made it clear that Mercedes would welcome Max Verstappen to Brackley if the Dutch driver leaves Red Bull in the future.

Toto Wolff insists Mercedes ‘door open’ for Max Verstappen amidst 2026 switch rumors

Toto Wolff and Max Verstappen (via IMAGO)

At the beginning of the 2024 season, rumors circulated that Max Verstappen might leave Red Bull to join Mercedes. However, his contract is believed to be linked to Red Bull advisor Dr. Helmut Marko and is secured until 2026, ruling out the possibility of him leaving in 2025. Despite this, Toto Wolff has stated he would welcome Verstappen to Mercedes in 2026.

Max Verstappen not joining Mercedes in 2025 was disappointing news for Toto Wolff. However, Wolff reckoned that he and Verstappen might work together at some point in the future and has not given up on signing him. Despite the 26-year-olds current contract with Red Bull, Wolff is considering the possibility of him joining Mercedes in 2026 or beyond. The Austrian wants Mercedes to have all options available, just as Verstappen seeks to keep his career options open.

But that doesn't close the door on Max being with us in '26 or beyond, because we want to still keep all the options open in the same way he does.
Toto Wolff said, as reported by Motorsport.com
YouTube video

Wolff appreciates the conversation they have while talking about these things. He mentioned that he respects that they don’t keep any secrets or hidden motives. Therefore, Wolff reckoned this clear and honest communication helps build trust and makes their interactions more genuine.

FS Video
So what I enjoyed in our conversations is there is never a hidden agenda.
Toto Wolff added.
RELATED
Max Verstappen admits Red Bull ‘too slow’ after Friday outing at Dutch GP
Max Verstappen, Helmut Marko and Christian Horner (via IMAGO)

Toto Wolff feels optimistic on crossing paths with Max Verstappen in future

Toto Wolff felt that there is a good chance Mercedes and Max Verstappen will work together in the future. However, he isn’t sure exactly when this will happen. It could be in 2026 or possibly even a few years after that. Wolff is uncertain about the exact timing but believes that their paths will eventually cross and the Dutchman would sign for Mercedes.

Max Verstappen (via IMAGO)
Max Verstappen (via IMAGO)
Somehow I have that feeling [that Mercedes and Verstappen's paths will cross]. But I don't know when that could be. Whether it's '26, whether it's three years later, I don't know yet.
Toto Wolff stated.

Certainly, Toto Wolff is confident that Max Verstappen and Mercedes would pair up one day but the timing is still unknown. Mercedes has yet not revealed their second driver for 2025 yet. Though it is clear the Dutchman has no chance next year in Silver arrows.

In case you missed it: