Toto Wolff continues to try to lure Verstappen away.

      In 2026 Max Verstappen will continue to drive for Red Bull Racing, but Mercedes boss Toto Wolff still hopes that in the more distant future the four-time world champion will take the wheel of one of his cars.

      “We get on very well, Max and I,” Toto said. “When you’re on the same wavelength, communication comes easily, and that’s exactly what I see in our relationship. His views on racing and on life are similar to mine.

      Could it be that our professional paths never cross because of an unlucky set of circumstances? Yes, that’s possible, but the probability is 50%. The other 50% says that at a certain stage of his career we will race together. And that statement applies to both sides.”

      When Toto Wolff was asked whether it would be easier to lure Max if Mercedes had the better car next year, he replied: “I hope that the best car will indeed be with us. And in that case I’ll have to pay Max’s manager Raymond Vermeulen only 10%! That’s what we agreed.

      I suppose for all top drivers money is not the ultimate goal. Their main aim is to get a team and a car with which they can win titles. Only after that do the arguments about money begin.

      I’ve always believed that a driver should be paid fairly, whatever that means, and whatever his benchmark is. We will always find the best solution if the stars align. The best team, the best drivers — they will always find each other.”