Max Verstappen’s renewal with Red Bull Racing until the end of 2030 has practically ended the possibility of a transfer to Mercedes in the coming years. Still, Toto Wolff believes their paths may cross again in the future.
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The Mercedes boss stated that he expected Verstappen to remain in Formula 1, and considers the Dutchman’s decision to continue with Red Bull logical. For Wolff, the team will still be able to return to competing for wins and titles as the current regulation cycle progresses.
“I think it seemed quite logical that Max would continue at Red Bull. And then wait to see what happens in two or three years. When contracts are available again, probably his options won’t be just one team, but maybe three or four at the same time, and wait to see who performs best,” Wolff said.
The scenario, however, is different from that experienced last year. According to Wolff, there were talks about a possible move of Verstappen to Mercedes at that time, while in 2026 there were no similar negotiations: “This year it quickly became clear that we would continue as we are, and we had an open relationship, and in a way, as transparent as possible,” he added.
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Despite this, Wolff highlighted that his relationship with Verstappen has already gone beyond the limits of Formula 1, through a joint GT project. The executive does not rule out that a new partnership may arise someday, although not necessarily with Verstappen driving for Mercedes in F1.
“I don’t know what the future holds, but I don’t know where the path will cross. Will it be in Karting, will it be in GT, will it be in Formula 1 or in some other joint project in the future? I think that could happen one day, but maybe it’s not necessarily Max, Mercedes and Formula 1,” Wolff concluded.
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