Wolff concedes Verstappen deal now unlikely

Toto Wolff has conceded that Max Verstappen joining Mercedes is now unlikely, although he still refuses to rule out another opportunity several years from now.

Speaking to Algemeen Dagblad at Zandvoort, Wolff said Mercedes had already decided before Verstappen re-signed with Red Bull through 2030 that continuing with George Russell and Kimi Antonelli was the right path.

"This driver lineup simply creates the right, positive dynamic," he said. "It enables both of them - and me too - to grow."

"George can get the best out of himself because he has a fast, young teammate alongside him. And that is why it seemed quite logical to me that Max would stay at Red Bull."

"After all, you know what you have in each other. Better the devil you know."

Wolff admitted the situation was very different a year ago, when Mercedes and Verstappen’s camp had been actively sounding each other out.

"Back then, both camps were testing the waters to see if a collaboration would be possible or not," he admitted.

Even so, Wolff still leaves a small opening for the future.

"You can wait and see what happens in two or three years. Then the contracts expire again and he probably won’t have just one option, but perhaps three or four."

Wolff also believes Verstappen was right not to panic about Red Bull’s current difficulties.

"I think it is clear that Red Bull has fallen behind a bit at the moment, but give it some time and they will shine again," he said.

"I have zero doubt that in the long run we will see the usual suspects fighting at the front again."

He also dismissed the idea that Verstappen’s desire for significant freedom outside Formula 1 would make him difficult for another top team - like Mercedes - to accommodate.

Wolff pointed to Lewis Hamilton, who was given enormous freedom during the Mercedes years.

"I will never forget that in 2018, between the races in Monza and Singapore, he flew to London, Shanghai, and New York to launch his own Tommy Hilfiger collection."

"Niki Lauda kept saying to me: It’s incredible that you allow this. Then he took pole with a magical lap and won the race convincingly on Sunday."

For Wolff, Verstappen staying loyal to Red Bull does not diminish his legacy.

"It is about your motives being valid: either you go for every championship, or you remain loyal to the team that trained you and made you champion, even in difficult times," said the Austrian.

"The future will show whether he will be remembered as a multiple world champion at Red Bull, or whether something else comes his way afterwards."