The future of Max Verstappen remains a subject of intense debate, with Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff expressing his belief that Verstappen needs to carefully contemplate the trajectory of his Formula 1 career in light of what he perceives as internal turmoil within Red Bull.
Amidst a backdrop of reported discord within Red Bull involving team principal Christian Horner, Max’s father Jos, and Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko, the team has been besieged by a flurry of turbulent developments in recent weeks.
In the aftermath of an investigation into allegations of ‘inappropriate behavior’ by Horner towards a female Red Bull employee, Jos Verstappen hinted at simmering tensions within the team, suggesting that it was on the brink of chaos if Horner continued to hold sway.
Meanwhile, it has come to light that there exists a provision in Marko’s contract that permits three-time Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen to exit if the 80-year-old Austrian were to depart as well.
This development has piqued the interest of Mercedes and Aston Martin, specifically, as they are the sole teams with the financial means to secure the services of the 26-year-old driver.
Wolff has expressed his desire in the past, stating that he “would love” to have Verstappen join his team as a potential replacement for Lewis Hamilton, who is set to move to Ferrari.
When directly questioned on Sky Sports F1 about the possibility of Max Verstappen joining Mercedes in the upcoming season, Wolff responded with a smile, saying, “If I would know!”
He added: “In the end, Max is in the quickest car, and this is what a driver is always going to look at.
“He’s in a fantastic place in his career, and then it will be a decision that is up to him to say, ‘Is it [Red Bull] an environment that I’d like to change?’ If yes, then, ‘Where do I want to go?'”
In 2026, when the new power unit regulations take effect, Max Verstappen may have the option to choose a well-established manufacturer like Mercedes over Red Bull Powertrains, which will be venturing into the field for the first time by producing its own engine.
Nevertheless, Wolff believes that Verstappen’s decision regarding a potential departure will be significantly influenced by the internal political dynamics unfolding within Red Bull.
“I think the trigger for him maybe thinking about other options is because they [Red Bull] have some wobbles going through the team,” Wolff Proposed.
“We have got to give him time to think [about] how he wants to sort out his future without giving it a push from our side.”
