The Race to Tempt Verstappen: Why Mercedes Believes It Can Steal F1's Brightest Star
Toto Wolff at Austrian GP" />Rumors abound and tensions rise as Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff insists that Mercedes could be an “attractive” destination for Max Verstappen, even as the Dutchman's 2025 calendar appears firmly tied to Red Bull. While Wolff has declared his interest in bringing Verstappen aboard multiple times, making him Lewis Hamilton’s long-term successor, Verstappen’s allegiance to Red Bull has never seemed stronger.
During the Austrian Grand Prix, Verstappen announced he would be staying with Red Bull next term, much to the relief of his fans. Despite increased competition this season, Red Bull's RB20 remains a cut above the rest, granting Verstappen an impressive 81-point lead. Yet, Wolff isn’t counting those chickens before they hatch, anticipating a level playing field when new technical regulations are introduced in 2026.
The Waiting Game
As the sport inches toward 2026—when aerodynamic, chassis, and engine regulations will undergo a significant overhaul—Wolff is betting on that period of change as an opportunity to lure Verstappen. “Would Max Verstappen consider joining Mercedes in 2025? No. There is no reason. Why would he?” Wolff candidly shared with Sky Sports F1. Despite that, Wolff firmly believes Mercedes will become an irresistible draw for top talent post-2026.
“The [Red Bull] car is ultra-dominant. Maybe he’s going to win every race, and a driver will always seek that kind of machine,” Wolff admitted. The landscape, however, has started to shift. With three teams now regularly competing for top spots, Wolff is adamant that Mercedes is on the cusp of joining these ranks once again. “So maybe there’s a window, but 2026 is our main year where lots of things change, and I think it could be quite attractive to drive with us,” he speculated.
Confidence and Uncertainty
Verstappen's future has long been speculated to be intertwined with Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko, a claim Wolff acknowledges but finds difficult to confirm. “I do not know what form it is,” Wolff stated openly. His strategy remains focused on positioning Mercedes as the pinnacle of competitive racing, an attractive option for any elite driver.
“If a driver doesn’t want to stay somewhere, it’s very difficult to keep them. But I’m not relying on that,” Wolff emphasized. Instead, he sees the creation of a fast, reliable car as the true draw for talents like Verstappen. “Quick cars are always going to attract the attention of a quick driver. So that’s our main priority,” he explained.
Red Bull's Response
Not surprisingly, Red Bull’s camp is unyielding. Team Principal Christian Horner has repeatedly made it clear that Verstappen is going nowhere under his watch. Helmut Marko was quick to fire back at Wolff’s aspirations, dismissing them as mere “wishful thinking.”
“Above all, I think Wolff’s wish is the father of the thought,” Marko told Sky Deutschland. “Our starting point has remained unchanged. As long as Red Bull provides Verstappen with a competitive car, and as long as he feels good, there is no reason for him to leave the team.”
For now, it’s a game of wait and see. Toto Wolff’s ambitions are sky-high, but so far Max Verstappen’s commitment to Red Bull remains concretely grounded. With both teams and drivers pushing the limits, the next few seasons promise to be nothing short of thrilling.