Verstappen: 'Nothing wrong’ with Wolff's continued advances
Max Verstappen says he sees “nothing wrong” with the continued advances made by Mercedes boss Toto Wolff to lure him away from Red Bull at some point in the future, even despite his long-term contract with Red Bull that runs until 2028.
Speaking after Saturday’s qualifying at the Dutch Grand Prix, Verstappen’s comment comes a day after Wolff revealed that he held talks during the summer break with the three-time world champion’s management, name his father Jos and Raymond Vermeulen.
Wolff, who shares a close friendship with Jos Verstappen, has been vocal about his dream of seeing the Dutchman move to Brackley.
Referring to the two camp’s recent talks, the Austrian alluded to a possibility of Verstappen moving to Mercedes as early as next season. Ultimately however, both parties opted to leave things unchanged for 2025.
When asked about the meeting after qualifying, a skittish Verstappen said: "Which meeting? I don't remember."
However, when asked whether it was time for Wolff to stop talking and move on, Verstappen disagreed.
"No, I mean, everyone can say what they want," said the Red Bull driver.
"I get on very well with Toto. I think he's very open about what's happening within his team, right? Also I think with the driver line-up and stuff.
“So there's nothing wrong with that. And at the same time, also, I just focus on my job. There's a lot to do anyway. So, yeah, we just focus on that."
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Verstappen concluded qualifying in second position, 0.356s behind poleman Lando Norris.
In Saturday’s post-race press conference, the Dutchman was asked about the McLaren driver’s potential to become a world-championship winning driver.
Despite their friendship being tested earlier in the season when they collided at the Austrian Grand Prix, Verstappen had high praise for his fellow competitor.
"Lando is very, very fast,” he said. “I think that's what you need to be. And that's why he's also in Formula 1, and why he's performing at the level that he's at.
“And it will only get better with experience as well, right? I mean, of course, I've been fighting for championships probably a bit longer, so you're probably a bit more experienced with that.
“But at the end of the day, when the team is working well, the car is working well, you're driving well, then it just comes to you as well. So, yeah, I never doubted that anyway."
Despite the ongoing rumors and Wolff’s clear interest, Verstappen remains focused on his current role at Red Bull, where he continues to thrive as one of the top drivers in Formula 1.
As for Wolff, it seems his pursuit of Verstappen will persist, keeping the possibility of a future collaboration alive.
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