‘Fury’ over Toto Wolff behaviour raises doubts over … Read more
Toto Wolff’s Past Behavior May Impact Max Verstappen’s Potential Move to Mercedes
The behavior of Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff following a controversial incident in 2021 could potentially hinder Max Verstappen’s chances of joining the team, according to respected Formula 1 pundit Ted Kravitz. Speculation is growing that Verstappen is becoming increasingly dissatisfied with Red Bull, with team director Helmut Marko acknowledging the uncertainty surrounding the Dutchman’s future as a significant concern.
Verstappen’s History with Mercedes
Verstappen was previously Wolff’s first choice to replace Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes, but Wolff ultimately decided to promote 18-year-old Kimi Antonelli instead. However, it’s likely that Wolff would be interested in exploring the possibility of signing Verstappen if the opportunity arises.
Kravitz’s Concerns
Kravitz believes that Wolff’s reaction to a Hamilton victory at the 2021 British Grand Prix may still be a point of contention for some within Verstappen’s camp. During the incident, Verstappen suffered a heavy crash, and Wolff’s celebration of Hamilton’s win was perceived as insensitive to Verstappen’s situation.
The Incident at Silverstone
The incident in question occurred during the 2021 British Grand Prix, where Verstappen crashed heavily after colliding with Hamilton. Wolff’s reaction to Hamilton’s win was seen as a celebration, which Verstappen and his team felt showed a lack of concern for Verstappen’s well-being.
Verstappen’s Current Situation
Verstappen has had a challenging start to his title defense in 2025, with his only victory so far coming at the Japanese GP. He currently sits third in the drivers’ championship behind the McLaren duo of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. Verstappen’s team, Red Bull, is also facing a significant deficit in the constructors’ championship, making it unlikely that they will be able to wrestle the title from McLaren.
Implications for Verstappen’s Future
The speculation surrounding Verstappen’s future has been fueled by his dissatisfaction with Red Bull. If Verstappen were to consider joining Mercedes, Wolff’s past behavior could be a significant factor in his decision-making process. Verstappen’s team may still harbor resentment towards Wolff, which could impact any potential negotiations between the two parties.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Toto Wolff’s past behavior may have implications for Max Verstappen’s potential move to Mercedes. The speculation surrounding Verstappen’s future has been fueled by his dissatisfaction with Red Bull, and Wolff’s reaction to the 2021 British Grand Prix incident may still be a point of contention for Verstappen and his team. As the Formula 1 season continues, it will be interesting to see how Verstappen’s situation develops and whether he will consider joining Mercedes in the future.
