Max Verstappen has expressed that he views “nothing wrong” with Mercedes Formula 1 boss Toto Wolff continuing to talk about his desire to sign the Red Bull driver.
Wolff has been open that he is eager to acquire Verstappen’s services at some stage since Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari in 2025 was announced earlier this term.
The Austrian has been aiming to capitalise on the power struggle that ensued at Red Bull in pre-season amid an internal probe into boss Christian Horner’s behaviour.
Horner, who was exonerated from accusations of inappropriate behaviour that a female colleague lodged, has been embroiled in a spat with Verstappen’s father, Jos.
Wolff retains a strong relationship with the Verstappen camp and revealed earlier this week that conversations over a potential switch were discussed over the break.
But when he was asked whether a meeting took place with the Mercedes chief, Verstappen, who qualified second at the Dutch Grand Prix, was reticent on the matter.
“Which meeting?”, was the Dutchman’s initial reaction when quizzed, prior to adding, “I don’t remember” when he was pressed on whether he was involved in the talks.
However, Verstappen, who has a deal with Red Bull through 2028, has denied that Wolff should discontinue his public attempts to attract the three-time F1 champion.
“I mean, everyone can say what they want,” Verstappen told media including Motorsport Week. “And I get on very well with Toto.
“I think he’s very open about what’s happening within his team, right? Also, I think with the driver line-up and stuff.
“So there’s nothing wrong with that. And at the same time, also, I just focus on my job. There’s a lot to do anyway. So, yeah, we just focus on that.”
Wolff divulged that his meeting with Verstappen’s entourage ended with all parties being aligned on the current championship leader remaining with Red Bull in 2025.
Verstappen not being available to take Hamilton’s seat has all but guaranteed that Mercedes Junior Andrea Kimi Antonelli will be promoted to partner George Russell.
Wolff appeared to let slip that Antonelli stepping up was a done deal amid speculation that the Italian, 18, will be announced at his home race at Monza next weekend.
Asked about confirmation arriving at the Italian Grand Prix, Wolff told Autosport: “You mean about the second driver? We are giving ourselves a little bit of time.
“I don’t know whether it’s days or weeks. It’s going to arrive eventually.
“[But] that’s a good place… That’s a really good place. It’s a nice circuit. I love the people there and then we will see whether we enjoy the moment.”
