Wolff admits that a deal with Verstappen is now improbable.
"You can wait and see what happens in two or three years."
Toto Wolff has acknowledged that the possibility of Max Verstappen moving to Mercedes is now unlikely, although he does not completely dismiss the idea of another opportunity arising in a few years. In an interview with Algemeen Dagblad at Zandvoort, Wolff mentioned that Mercedes had already determined before Verstappen extended his contract with Red Bull until 2030 that sticking with George Russell and Kimi Antonelli was the best choice.
"This driver lineup creates a positive dynamic," he stated. "It allows both of them — and me as well — to develop."
"George is able to perform at his best because he has a fast young teammate beside him. Therefore, it seemed quite logical to me that Max would remain at Red Bull."
"After all, you know what to expect from one another. It's better to stick with what you know."
Wolff recognized that the context was quite different a year earlier when both Mercedes and Verstappen’s camp were exploring potential collaboration.
"At that time, both sides were gauging whether a partnership could work," he recalled.
Nonetheless, Wolff leaves a slight opening for the future.
"You can wait and see what occurs in two or three years. Then the contracts will be up again, and he probably won’t have just one option, but maybe three or four."
Wolff also thinks Verstappen was right not to panic about the current challenges at Red Bull.
"I believe it is evident that Red Bull has fallen behind a bit at this time, but given some time, they will bounce back," he said.
"I have no doubt that in the long term, we will see the usual contenders battling at the front again."
He dismissed the notion that Verstappen’s desire for considerable freedom outside Formula 1 would pose a challenge for another top team, like Mercedes, to accommodate.
Wolff referenced Lewis Hamilton, who enjoyed substantial freedom during his time with Mercedes.
"I will always remember that in 2018, between the races in Monza and Singapore, he flew to London, Shanghai, and New York to launch his own Tommy Hilfiger collection."
"Niki Lauda used to tell me: It's remarkable that you allow this. Then he secured pole position with an incredible lap and won the race convincingly on Sunday."
For Wolff, Verstappen's loyalty to Red Bull does not lessen his legacy.
"It’s about having valid motives: you either pursue every championship, or you stay loyal to the team that nurtured you and helped you become a champion, even during challenging times," the Austrian remarked.
"The future will reveal whether he will be remembered as a multiple world champion at Red Bull, or if another opportunity arises afterwards."
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Wolff admits that a deal with Verstappen is now improbable.
Formula 1 | Toto Wolff has acknowledged that it is now unlikely for Max Verstappen to join Mercedes, although he continues to keep the door open for future possibilities.