Toto Wolff “would go above and beyond” to secure the services of Max Verstappen

Beyond the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, this is the question that agitated the paddock all weekend in Jeddah: what if Max Verstappen decided to leave Red Bull before the end of his contract, which runs until 2028? This possibility has gained momentum in recent days, as part of the extra-sporting affair surrounding the Austrian team. On Friday, Helmut Marko, historical advisor to the team and close to the Verstappen clan, was in turn targeted by an internal investigation and risked suspension, which did not please the three-time reigning world champion.

“I have enormous respect for Helmut and for what we have accomplished together (…) And naturally, my loyalty to him is immense. I have always said it internally, to all senior managers, that it is constantly an important element in my decision-making for the future as well as within the team. It is therefore very important that he stays in the team”, he declared on Friday, after qualifying for the Saudi Arabian GP. Statements in the form of threats for Red Bull, enough to fuel rumors of a hasty departure…

Finally, the situation settled on Saturday. After a discussion with Oliver Mintzlaff, Managing Director of Red Bull, Helmut Marko announced that he should keep his place despite rumors of his involvement in the Christian Horner affair. A discussion which should calm things down around the future of Max Verstappen, whose future is linked to that of the Austrian leader at Red Bull.

Wolff « would love to have » Verstappen in the future

However, the incessant noise from the corridors sent the Dutchman home Mercedes in the future did not fail to challenge the German clan. For several days, Toto Wolff plays the game of the Verstappen clan – that of father Jos, in particular – in order to destabilize the Red Bull team and attract the triple world champion into its net. Moreover, the Mercedes Team Principal does not hide it!

“I would love to have it!”, the Austrian leader said in Jeddah, as Mercedes weighs its options to replace Lewis Hamilton in 2025. It's a decision Max has to make and there's no team, up and down the grid, that wouldn't go out of their way to have him in the car. »

“But first we have to sort out our care, he adds, aware that Mercedes does not yet have the sporting arguments to attract Max Verstappen. I think we owe it to our drivers to improve the car and give them equipment that is good before dreaming about the future. »

In any case, Verstappen or not, Toto wolff considers that it is still too early to talk about transfer and indicates that there is no urgency to decide on the composition of the team for 2025. “We have some interesting options. [We want to be] able to evaluate how the season is going with the young drivers and the slightly 'older' drivers. This is not a decision we want to make in the coming weeks. It'll take a few months, depending on where it goes. »

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