Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has weighed in on the swirling rumors linking Max Verstappen to the Silver Arrows, as the Red Bull star battles an inconsistent 2025 campaign. Verstappen, chasing a fifth consecutive world title, has endured a rocky start: a podium in Australia, fourth in China, a dominant Japan win, and a sixth-place finish in Bahrain after qualifying struggles. While he rebounded with second in Saudi Arabia, whispers of his potential exit from Red Bull have intensified.
Wolff, whose team is often touted as Verstappen’s next destination, finally addressed the speculation—but his response wasn’t what fans expected.
Toto Wolff opens up on Max Verstappen rumors
During a post-practice interview in Saudi Arabia, Wolff was pressed on whether he’d pursue Max Verstappen after missing out on signing him during the Dutchman’s junior career. His reply was unequivocal:
“No, I wouldn’t say that.” Drawing a playful analogy to personal relationships, Wolff emphasized contentment with Mercedes’ current lineup. “I don’t flirt outside if I’m happy in the relationship,” he quipped, referencing both professional satisfaction and a lighthearted nod to his wife, Susie. “We’re super happy with our drivers. Max is at Red Bull—we haven’t spoken.”
The statement underscores Toto Wolff’s confidence in George Russell and rookie Kimi Antonelli. Russell, labeled a dark horse for the title, has spearheaded Mercedes’ resurgence, while Antonelli’s progress validates the team’s long-term investment.
“The dynamic is working,” Wolff noted, though he conceded Mercedes isn’t yet “where we want to be.”
Why Wolff’s stance signifies
Max Verstappen’s struggles with Red Bull’s RB21—a car plagued by a “narrow operating window”—have left him third in the standings behind McLaren’s Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. Yet Wolff’s refusal to entertain a Verstappen move signals faith in Mercedes’ rebuild. The team, while not title contenders, has shown flashes of progress, including sporadic podiums and poles.
“We don’t feel entitled to wins,” Wolff admitted. “But we’re doing better than recent years.”
For Verstappen, Wolff’s comments close a speculative door—for now. The Dutchman has publicly dismissed exit talks, but his frustration with Red Bull’s machinery keeps rumors alive. Should the RB21’s issues persist, Mercedes’ stance could shift, but Toto Wolff’s current priority is nurturing Antonelli and maximizing Russell’s potential.
The bigger picture
Mercedes’ loyalty to its lineup reflects a strategic pivot. After years of dominance, the team is rebuilding around youth and patience. Antonelli, despite rookie growing pains, represents that vision. Russell, meanwhile, has emerged as a consistent force, outqualifying Verstappen in Bahrain and pressuring Red Bull in race trim.
For Verstappen, the path forward hinges on Red Bull’s ability to unlock the RB21’s potential. Toto Wolff’s dismissal of talks suggests Mercedes won’t be a safety net, forcing the champion to either reignite his current team’s fire or risk stagnation.
As the European leg approaches, all eyes will be on Max Verstappen’s adaptability—and whether Red Bull can bridge the gap to McLaren and Ferrari. For Mercedes, the focus remains on incremental gains, not headline signings.