Among the appointments on Monday after the Miami GP, there is not one on Toto Wolff’s calendar meeting with those who look after Max Verstappen’s interests. Here, if the Mercedes team principal denied a rumor that has circulated for a long time in recent weeks, he did not elaborate on the possibility that another date is set to discuss the future and the choices that Verstappen could make from 2026 onwards.
The drivers market holds sway together with that of technicians and despite the confirmation of the person directly involved that he will remain with Red Bull in 2025, there is no shortage of indiscretions.
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As well as the positions taken, including that of Oliver Mintzlaff, CEO of the Red Bull Group. Interviewed by the newspaper Bild, Mintzlaff commented: “I understand the pressure on Toto Wolff – and perhaps other team principals – after years of being behind. I think though, Wolff should focus on his own problems, he’s had enough. Furthermore, continuing to talk to other teams’ personnel is something to do with respect: it is not appropriate.
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Max still has a long-term contract with us and he didn’t say a word about wanting to not respect it. I’m not at all concerned that she’s considering a change.”
Red Bull’s rock-solid certainties regarding Verstappen’s permanence must also consider the exits of Jos and Max himself on the technical guarantees that the team will be able to give from 2026 onwards.
Wolff’s reply to Mintzlaff was not long in coming, including the statement reported to the Mercedes team principal by Sky Germany, that Max would remain “1000%”.
Mercedes can wait for a decision from Verstappen
“I don’t know what he commented, I don’t care. We want to take some time, see what Max’s idea is and at the same time monitor the other riders. Carlos is also very fast. We’re in a bit of an observer mode at the moment but it’s not my decision: it’s Max’s,” Wolff.
“These are not decisions that will be made in a matter of days, but will probably take weeks or months. It’s not just up to us. My position is clear in saying that Let’s wait to see what Max will do.”.
“Verstappen is crucial for all the teams, as I said I don’t think he will leave in 2025. He is a top driver at the moment and he has to make a decision. Maybe there isn’t even a choice to make and things will stay like this.
I can’t say too much, except that there isn’t a meeting scheduled on Monday. Will Max be 1,000 percent with Red Bull? I wouldn’t make such a statement, because in life there is only 100%, more is not possible, it is redundant.”
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