Formula 1 once again had Max Verstappen’s future as one of the main topics in the paddock at the Canadian GP. The conversation between Toto Wolff and Jos Verstappen in Montreal increased rumors about a possible move of the four-time champion from Red Bull Racing to Mercedes.
Read more F1: Leclerc rules out immediate reaction from Ferrari against Mercedes
The meeting took place on Thursday (21), during the press day activities, in front of the Mercedes motorhome. Wolff was seen publicly talking with the father of the Dutch driver, right amid speculations about Verstappen’s future in the category.
These rumors involving Verstappen and Mercedes gained strength since Lewis Hamilton confirmed his transfer to Ferrari in 2025. At the time, Wolff publicly admitted that he would like to have Verstappen in the future, something that resurfaced given the difficulties faced by Red Bull in the current season and Mercedes’ strength in the new era of Formula 1.
Despite the repercussion, Red Bull boss Laurent Mekies sought to minimize the significance of the conversation: “As exciting as this may seem to outsiders, I really don’t think there is any specific intention behind it,” he said during a press conference on Friday in Montreal.
Read more F1: Brundle talks about ‘unknown’ clause in Hamilton’s contract with Ferrari
According to Mekies, contact between team officials and drivers’ families is common within the paddock: “If any of these guys want to talk, it already becomes a story. We talk all the time with Max and Jos. It is completely natural that they talk with Toto. Max was driving a Mercedes GT3 last week,” he said, referring to the Dutch driver’s participation in the 24 Hours of Nurburgring.
The official also rejected any idea that the conversation was planned as a political strategy: “I honestly don’t think this is part of some game to send a message,” he added.
On Thursday, Max Verstappen indicated that he might continue in Formula 1 in 2027, if the discussed changes to engine regulations are approved. Mekies stated that the Dutchman is concerned about the future of the category and wants to see drivers able to attack at the limit: “There was a fantastic openness from the FIA, F1, and the teams to admit that we need to do something. This is important for the category,” he concluded.
Read more F1: Verstappen talks about his future and staying in the category
