Toto Wolff still monitoring Max Verstappen’s ‘thinking’ over potential Mercedes move

Max Verstappen is contracted to Red Bull till 2028.

Toto Wolff still monitoring Max Verstappen’s ‘thinking’ over potential Mercedes move

Toto Wolff [L] and Max Verstappen [R] (images via IMAGO)

Since the announcement of Adrian Newey‘s departure from the Red Bull camp, rumors have been circling the paddock about Max Verstappen leaving the Austrian giant. Subsequently, speculations regarding Toto Wolff having a meeting with the Dutchman soon trundled the F1 world and gave an insight into the volatile driver market.

Max Verstappen is the most highly-rated driver currently on the grid. The 26-year-old is known for his loyalty towards Red Bull, and no one could have expected that the Dutchman could be pondering about leaving the team. However, due to the recent shenanigans going on at the team, it was rumored that Verstappen could be considering a move away from Red Bull and evaluate a move to Mercedes.

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Later, a meeting between Toto Wolff and Verstappen’s representatives was expected to be held in Miami. Subsequently, when asked about how it went, the Austrian gave an interesting response.

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There's always plenty of meetings. I can't really say about the second driver [at Mercedes]. I think we've talked about the possibilities. I want to be fair to these guys and not make it look like we are playing chess with humans, because we are not doing that.
Toto Wolff said in an interview with RacingNews365

The 52-year-old kept his cards close to his chest but revealed one significant detail that they have held plenty of meetings in the recent past. Furthermore, he stated that he wanted to be fair to all the potential drivers and not keep any camp in any kind of delusion.

Toto Wolff has not ruled out Carlos Sainz for a Mercedes seat

Though a move to the Mercedes power seems highly unlikely for Verstappen, Wolff would be adamant to get him on the team at any cost. On the other end, he has decided to not end formal talks with other drivers in a very diplomatic fashion.

Toto Wolff and Carlos Sainz
Toto Wolff and Carlos Sainz (Via: Imago)

While talking about the candidates for the Mercedes seat, Wolff commended Carlos Sainz for his outing in Miami.

Carlos [Sainz] was very strong in Miami again and that's why we are a little bit on an observation mode at the moment.
Toto Wolff said in an interview with RacingNews365

Despite the Spaniard getting his race wrecked due to a mid-race collision, Wolff applauded Sainz for his impressive performance. Subsequently, fans deemed this appreciation to be diplomatic, as the Austrian would not like to end his ties with any driver who could be a possible candidate for the second Mercedes seat.

However, F1 pundits expect Mercedes to announce their driver lineup for 2025 during the summer break. The upcoming months could give a slightly clearer picture as to who gets the coveted seat!

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