Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has refused to rule out a move for Max Verstappen in the future and claims he shares a good relationship with the driver and his father Jos, despite their past rivalries.
The relationship between Mercedes and Verstappen has been subject to scrutiny, particularly following the intense 2021 season.
Speaking on the High Performance podcast, Wolff emphasised that their connection remains positive, even if it’s not always visible to the public eye.
“We get on very well, not always in the visibility of the public eye,” Wolff explained. “I’ve known Jos for a long time. He’s my age. We have similar views on racing.”
The Mercedes boss was keen to emphasise that the contentious 2021 season hasn’t damaged their personal relationships.
“I wouldn’t want the year 2021 to put any shadow on any personal relationship that we have. It was bad enough that year, but the relationships are intact,” he added.
Toto Wolff has a good relationship with Max VerstappenGETTY
While Verstappen won’t be joining Mercedes in 2025 following Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari, Wolff hasn’t closed the door on future collaboration with the Dutch champion.
The Mercedes team principal had initially set his sights on Verstappen after Hamilton’s departure was announced.
However, with Verstappen remaining loyal to Red Bull Racing for next year, Wolff is focusing on his confirmed 2025 driver line-up.
“Max is a great driver and an interesting personality. God knows what happens in the future”, Wolff remarked, leaving the possibility of future collaboration open.
For now, Wolff is embracing Mercedes’ next generation of talent, highlighting his excitement about working with their homegrown drivers.
“I think it feels natural now to go to the next generation”, Wolff stated.
Toto Wolff has refused to rule out an interest in Max VerstappenGETTY
“Having Kimi and George in the car, homegrown, real Mercedes juniors, delivered every step of their career that we supported.”
The Mercedes team principal expressed particular enthusiasm about this future line-up, adding: “I’m very much looking forward to that situation.”
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Antonelli only made the step up to the F2 Championship this season with Prema Racing.
He’s registered two victories in his debut campaign with three podium finishes and currently sits sixth in the standings.
Jos Verstappen has been seen in conversation with Toto Wolff this year
GETTY