Toto Wolff’s Confusing Message to Max Verstappen While Pushing For Mercedes Move

Toto Wolff's Confusing Message to Max Verstappen While Pushing For Mercedes Move

Max Verstappen has been linked with a move to Mercedes ever since Lewis Hamilton’s departure to Ferrari got confirmed earlier this year. Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff wants to sort his driver lineup for 2025 before it is too late, and his favorite driver of choice remains Verstappen, to whom he keeps sending mixed signals.

Speaking to AS, Wolff highlighted how his team made significant improvements in Miami last weekend. He pointed out how the W15 was faster than Sergio Perez’s RB20 on the same tire. Encouraging signs like this were likely thrown out to get the attention of Verstappen, about whom Wolff spoke next.

Wolff feels that Verstappen shouldn’t leave the best team in F1 (which is Red Bull at the moment). At the same time, he says,

“I wouldn’t leave the team, at least not in 2025, but it’s in his hands. He’s the best driver now, and that’s why he’s the one to make the choice.” 

He feels that Verstappen has a huge role to play in how the driver market pans out in the months to come. However, it is no secret that he wants to sway the three-time World Champion away to Mercedes. For that, he keeps sweet-talking Verstappen, which Red Bull took note of.

Red Bull annoyed with Toto Wolff’s antics

Toto Wolff has been flirting with the idea of signing Max Verstappen for months now. This is something Red Bull GmbH boss Oliver Mintzlaff doesn’t appreciate.

He called Wolff out of meddling in Red Bull’s affairs, especially because the team feels that Verstappen has a contract until 2028 which should be respected. Wolff, however, shut these accusations down by stating that they have no “relevance”.

“I don’t know what the guy is commenting on,” he said per OE24. “That has no relevance to me. Maybe he still wants to be on TV. We’re a little in observation mode. But it’s not my decision, it’s Max’s.”

Red Bull’s internal turmoil has made it easy for Wolff to take direct shots at the Milton-Keynes-based outfit. Adrian Newey’s departure (which was confirmed earlier this month) has put the team’s continued dominance in question as well. This, in turn, could influence Verstappen’s decision-making in the months to come.

Post Edited By: Vidit Dhawan
Max Verstappen Mercedes Red Bull Toto Wolff

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Somin Bhattacharjee

Basketball Editor Somin Bhattacharjee first discovered the game during the 2014 FIBA World Cup. Not long after, he turned to the NBA and found himself drawn to the Golden State Warriors — right at the start of Stephen Curry’s rise. Over time, the admiration turned into full-blown support for the team, one that continues even as the Curry era approaches its twilight. A true hoophead, Somin also follows EuroLeague basketball closely and enjoys exploring the game beyond the NBA. Though holding a bachelor's degree in marketing, Somin discovered his true calling in writing. Since 2021, he has penned over 3,000 articles for TheSportsRush, covering everything from breaking news to sharp opinion pieces and detailed exclusives. He thrives on writing about in-game moments and the reactions that make basketball a uniquely emotional sport. Beyond basketball, Somin plays different sports including soccer and remains a passionate fan of Spanish football giants Real Madrid

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