Toto Wolff claims Red Bull might’ve ‘forced’ Max Verstappen to declare his stay at Milton Keynes for 2025

Max Verstappen has been making his trade with Red Bull since 2016.

Toto Wolff claims Red Bull might’ve ‘forced’ Max Verstappen to declare his stay at Milton Keynes for 2025

Toto Wolff and Max Verstappen (via IMAGO)

Lewis Hamilton‘s move to Ferrari has opened up a vacancy at Mercedes that is yet to be filled. Toto Wolff is taking his time with finalizing the driver to fill in the seat. Max Verstappen was considered one of the best options for the German carmaker. Despite constant rejection from Verstappen and Christian Horner, Wolff hasn’t backed down from making the Dutchman reconsider.

Max Verstappen had stated that even $250 Million wouldn’t make him consider quitting Red Bull. Regardless, Toto Wolff claimed that Verstappen’s remarks weren’t stating clearly that he would be at Milton Keynes. Christian Horner intervened and asked the Mercedes boss to focus on his team rather than being optimistic about Verstappen to Mercedes.

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However, Wolff has further stated that the Dutchman didn’t talk about staying at Red Bull of his own will. The Austrian believed Verstappen was ‘forced’ to answer about his team from the 2025 season onwards.

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He (Max) couldn't say anything else, could he? They had to pretty much force him to answer.
Toto Wolff said, as reported by motorsport-total.

Toto Wolff claimed he would put his hand ‘in fire’ for Max Verstappen to continue racing in F1

Multiple people also believed Verstappen would take a sabbatical from Formula 1 altogether by 2025. The ongoing tensions at Red Bull in addition to Jos Verstappen and Christian Horner’s problems gave all the more reasons for the Dutchman to take a break. Regardless, Wolff was highly optimistic about the 26-year-old’s continuation in F1.

Helmut Marko and Max Verstappen
Helmut Marko and Max Verstappen (Via: Imago)

Toto Wolff shared a humorous comment about Verstappen’s stay in the sport. Wolff reckoned that he was ready to put his ‘hand in fire’ to guarantee that the Dutchman would continue to race in F1.

I would put my hand in the fire that Max will drive F1 next year.
Toto Wolff added.

Max Verstappen has continued to score great results despite Red Bull’s disappointing pace. Hence, this meant that the reigning world champion wasn’t quite done with the sport. Verstappen will continue to showcase highly dominant performances in the 2024 season and potentially win the drivers’ championship for the fourth time in a row.

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