Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has revealed that he is no longer pursuing Max Verstappen, admitting that the time has come to stop ‘flirting’ with the Red Bull star in a mutual agreement following months of speculation about a potential switch.
The comments come after Mercedes solidified their driver line-up for the future, putting an end to talks of luring Verstappen away from his current team.
Wolff had reportedly engaged in several discussions with Verstappen’s camp earlier this year, hoping to capitalise on early-season turmoil at Red Bull
Wolff had been eager to explore the possibility of Verstappen joining Mercedes, especially in light of Lewis Hamilton’s confirmed departure from the team at the end of the season.
However, with those talks failing to progress and Mercedes increasingly confident in the development of their junior driver Kimi Antonelli, interest in Verstappen eventually faded.
Mercedes focusing on Russell & Antonelli
In a major announcement ahead of the Italian Grand Prix, Mercedes confirmed Antonelli would step up as Hamilton’s replacement, partnering with George Russell from the 2025 season onwards.Speaking to Motorsport.com, Wolff explained that with Antonelli now on board and Verstappen firmly settled at Red Bull, there was no need to pursue the Dutchman any further.
We’re sitting back,” Wolff said.”I think I’ve expressed it before, and we have a similar view from Max’s side: you’ve got to put faith in your drivers and your team. You need to give it maximum support to make it a success.”
Wolff likened the situation to a relationship, adding: “For me, it’s like flirting outside whilst you’re making your relationship work. It doesn’t work, I’m not flirting outside.”Only if I want to consider a change would I seek a conversation. And it’s the same on his side.”While Verstappen is off the table for now, attention has turned to Mercedes’ new line-up of Antonelli and Russell.
The team seems content with their driver pairing, and the once-prominent discussions around Verstappen’s potential move to Mercedes now seems firmly in the rearview mirror.
