Toto Wolff has accepted Max Verstappen won’t be a part of Mercedes in 2025 however says he’s nonetheless concerned about signing the Crimson Bull ahead for 2026 following summer time talks with the Dutchman’s group rider.
Mercedes group principal Wolff made public overtures to world champion Verstappen all through the primary half of the season following Lewis Hamilton’s choice to modify to Ferrari subsequent yr.
With the Dutch Grand Prix season restarting this weekend, Wolff stated he had held discussions with Verstappen’s supervisor Raymond Vermeulen and father Jos in the course of the summer time break.
“This entire yr I assumed there was a window or there was a chance. It isn’t zero,” Wolff informed a bunch of Dutch reporters in Zandvoort.
“Issues are nonetheless fairly rocky right here, not only for efficiency causes but additionally due to the interpersonal points that everyone knows about.
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Wolff addressed rumors earlier this season that Verstappen may be a part of Mercedes
“By the way in which, I’ve at all times gotten together with José all my life. However perhaps it is as a result of we’re type of related. That is why I believe the door by no means utterly closed.
“What are the chances of that taking place? Possibly ten to 1. 9 to 1. Nonetheless, I did not wish to quit, however then we got here to the conclusion collectively over the summer time that we should not wait to decide to 2025 earlier than one thing would occur.” factor, however let’s get on with our job, Crimson Bull’s Max and Mercedes make our personal driver choices right here.
“It is a widespread thought.”
Wolff drops Antonelli’s massive trace
It may be inferred from Wolff’s feedback that Mercedes will now signal Italian teenager Andrea Kimi Antonelli to companion George Russell subsequent season.
Hypothesis is rising that Antonelli, who turns 18 on Sunday, will change Hamilton, and Wolff solely added gas to the hearth on Friday when he tentatively spoke of Russell and the Italian as his 2025 lineup.
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Kimi Antonelli takes spectacular first F2 race win at Hungarian Grand Prix
“Quickly we are going to verify who’s within the second seat. I additionally say that the 2 drivers within the automotive have our full assist 100 per cent,” Wolff stated.
“So I will likely be taking each drivers into the 2025 season and we are going to give them each alternative to carry out.
“That is why I do not wish to speak concerning the 2026 driver line-up at that stage as a result of I wish to make it work with George and Kimi.”
Wolff ‘feels’ Verstappen and Mercedes’ paths will cross
Verstappen’s contract with Crimson Bull runs till the 2028 season, however driver and group principal Christian Horner has made feedback this yr hinting at an early departure.
Crimson Bull has been dominant for the reason that sport’s design rule modifications in 2022, however Mercedes is assured of returning to profitable methods beneath the following set of recent guidelines coming for the 2026 season.
Whereas respecting Russell and his presumed 2025 teammate Antonelli, Wolff has made it clear he desires to maintain the choice to signal Verstappen sooner or later.
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Verstappen says Crimson Bull’s sluggish tempo is not any shock to him
“What I like about Max, Ramon and Jos is that we speak straight to the purpose. We do not have to hurry one another. We have been at this for too lengthy; we have already decided for subsequent yr’s driver. That is it Our plan.
“Hopefully this would be the roster for 2026 and past. However it does not shut the door for Max to be with us in 2026 or past as a result of we nonetheless wish to maintain all choices open as he does. So I used to be most vocal in our conversations. Love that there’s by no means a hidden agenda.
“One way or the other I really feel like this [that Mercedes and Verstappen’s paths will cross]. However I don’t know when that will likely be. Is it ’26 years previous’ or ‘three years later’, I do not know but.
Horner: Max by no means drove for Mercedes
speaking sky sports activities information Earlier on Friday, Horner insisted Verstappen was by no means “obtainable” to race at Mercedes subsequent season.
Horner stated: “As we’ve been stating all yr, the scenario is that we all know what our settlement with Max is and Max is aware of what his settlement is with us and he actually won’t be able to play for Mercedes in 2025. Si Si performs.
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Christian Horner says Verstappen by no means signed with him after Mercedes confirmed curiosity in driver for 2025 season
“He by no means was. So I am positive no matter choices they select to take, they will think twice about it.”
Horner, who promoted Verstappen to Crimson Bull’s senior group as an 18-year-old, stated he was keen to belief his rival Wolff if he went with Antonelli.
He added: “In the event that they select to provide Antonelli the place then it’s important to commend them for taking a threat on a younger man.”
Sky Sports activities F1 reside Dutch Grand Prix schedule
Saturday, August 24
10.15am: Dutch Grand Prix follow three (race begins at 10.30am)
1pm: Dutch Grand Prix qualifying preparations
2pm: Dutch Grand Prix qualifying
4pm: F1 Academy: Race 1
Sunday, August 25
9.40am: F1 Academy: Race 2
12:30pm: Sunday Grand Prix: Dutch Grand Prix preparations
2pm: Dutch Grand Prix
4pm: Checkered flag: Dutch GP reactions
Components 1 returns after the summer time break with the Dutch Grand Prix going down in Zandvoort this weekend, reside on Sky Sports activities F1. Watch every F1 race and more with a NOW Sports Monthly Membership – no contract, cancel anytime.
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