In a revealing moment from the latest season of Netflix’s Drive to Survive, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff disclosed a promise he made to Lewis Hamilton: not to pursue Max Verstappen while the seven-time world champion was still with the team. This behind-the-scenes insight sheds light on the dynamics within Mercedes and the lingering impact of the intense 2021 title battle between Hamilton and Verstappen.
The Promise That Shaped Mercedes’ Strategy
The revelation came during a conversation between Wolff and his wife, Susie, as they discussed potential replacements for Hamilton following his shock move to Ferrari for the 2025 season. Names like Carlos Sainz and Fernando Alonso were floated, but when the idea of signing Verstappen was mentioned, Wolff revealed his prior commitment to Hamilton.
“I haven’t talked to him because I promised Lewis not to talk to him,” Wolff said of Verstappen. “But I will have the conversation now.”
This promise highlights the respect and loyalty Wolff maintained toward Hamilton during their time together, even as Verstappen emerged as one of the sport’s brightest stars.
The Hamilton-Verstappen Rivalry
The 2021 season was one of the most dramatic in Formula 1 history, with Hamilton and Verstappen battling fiercely for the championship. Their rivalry reached its peak at the controversial Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, where Verstappen clinched his first title.
Hamilton’s frustration with Verstappen’s aggressive driving style was evident throughout the season. At the time, Hamilton described Verstappen as one of the most “over the limit” drivers he had ever faced.
“I’ve raced a lot of drivers in my life, in the 28 years. There’s a few at the top which are over the limit. Rules kinda don’t apply, or they don’t think of the rules,” Hamilton said. “He’s over the limit, for sure. I’ve avoided collisions on so many occasions with the guy.”
Although Hamilton and Mercedes fell off the pace in subsequent seasons, the tension from 2021 clearly left a lasting impression, as evidenced by Wolff’s promise.
Wolff’s Pursuit of Verstappen
With Hamilton’s departure confirmed, Wolff wasted no time in exploring the possibility of signing Verstappen. In a behind-the-scenes meeting with Mercedes’ head of communications, Bradley Lord, and driver development advisor, Gwen Lagrue, Wolff acknowledged the slim chances of luring Verstappen away from Red Bull.
“It’s so difficult with Max,” Wolff said. “There’s a one percent chance that Max changes his mind.”
Despite the long odds, Wolff’s interest in Verstappen underscores the Dutchman’s status as the most coveted driver on the grid.
Christian Horner’s Response
Unsurprisingly, Wolff’s pursuit of Verstappen did not sit well with Red Bull team principal Christian Horner. When questioned about Verstappen’s future, Horner dismissed the speculation as a “distraction tactic” and even quipped about Wolff’s options.
“I think it is purely a distraction tactic from Toto – and if he does want a Verstappen for next year, I guess Jos is potentially available,” Horner said, referring to Max’s father, Jos Verstappen.
Horner remained confident that Verstappen would stay with Red Bull, emphasizing the team’s strong relationship with the reigning world champion.
“The driver [Hamilton] that’s created all the movement in the market had all the information about the engines and 2026 regulations and so on, and chose to leave and left the vacancy at Mercedes,” Horner added. “That is why there has now been a little bit of speculation as to who will fill that seat, but it won’t be Max Verstappen.”
As the 2025 season approaches, the driver market continues to be a hot topic, with Wolff’s promise to Hamilton adding another layer of intrigue to the ongoing saga. Whether Verstappen remains with Red Bull or considers a move elsewhere, the drama off the track is proving just as compelling as the action on it.
