Toto Wolff has recently acknowledged his appreciation for Max Verstappen’s impressive accomplishments in winning two world titles.
The Mercedes team principal revealed this during an interview where he shared an unusual incident that occurred when hiring a potential nanny for his son, Jack.
According to Wolff, the lady, being Dutch, believed that her nationality might negatively impact her chances of getting the job.
In the context of the intense rivalry between Verstappen and Hamilton, which culminated in a controversial end to the 2021 season, Wolff also clarified that he does not “hate” the young Dutch driver, displaying a level of professionalism and respect that is highly valued in the racing world.
“I asked why, and she thought I hated Max Verstappen. But I really like Max,” the Mercedes Team principal remarked when speaking to De Telegraaf.
Wolf chose to offer a rare moment of appreciation for Verstappen’s exceptional abilities by praising the Red Bull star.
The Austrian team principal went on to express his admiration for individuals who possess Verstappen’s exceptional skillset and unwavering determination to achieve greatness, stating that he genuinely “liked” them.
“Max, in combination with his car, is the benchmark. He has matured so much and doesn’t make mistakes anymore,” said Wolff.
“And he’s only 25 years old, right? You wouldn’t think someone of that age is so mature, also on his outlook on life. It’s really impressive. Whether it’s Max, Lewis, Michael Schumacher or Ayrton Senna, they’re all different but they all have a raw edge.
“I like those kinds of people, difficult people. That often means they have more ambition and more dedication. This not only applies to drivers, but also to the top people within a team.”
The 2021 season witnessed an incredibly intense rivalry between two teams that left no inch of the track unchallenged. The constant battle for supremacy consumed all, and the stakes couldn’t be higher.
However, the rivalry peaked at Silverstone, where Hamilton and Verstappen collided in a fierce duel at the infamous Copse corner, taking the rivalry to a whole new level.
The high-speed crash with a massive 51G impact catapulted Verstappen into the hospital, while Hamilton went on to celebrate his triumph.
However, the post-race revelations left many shocked, as it turned out that Wolff had not reached out to inquire about Verstappen’s well-being, much to the frustration of the Red Bull driver’s father, Jos.
This apparent lack of concern caused outrage within the racing community, highlighting the intense rivalry between the two teams and the emotional stakes involved.
Jos Verstappen expressed his disappointment in Toto Wolff’s reaction in the aftermath of the incident: “There have been conversations with Toto Wolff and I also thought we had a good relationship with him, but the real Toto has shown himself lately. There is no relationship anymore.”
Despite the circumstances, a reliable source from the paddock revealed that Wolff had been regularly communicating with Verstappen last year.
This development comes after the Mercedes team principal himself hinted in early 2020 that he wouldn’t mind considering the possibility of signing the talented Dutch driver in the future, suggesting that he has kept a close eye on Verstappen’s career progress.
