Formula 1 | Wolff animates the fantasy market: “Jos Verstappen and I have always had a good relationship”

Formula 1 Wolff Verstappen – Toto Wolff recently clarified that, despite the tensions that marked 2021 between Mercedes and Red Bull, relations with the Verstappen family remained positive.

In an interview with the High Performance podcast, the Austrian explained that he has a cordial relationship with both Max and his father, Jos. “We get along very well, although not always in front of the public,” Wolff said. “I’ve known Jos for years; we are of the same generation and share a lot of ideas about racing. I wouldn’t let the events of that year compromise a personal bond. It was a difficult time, but the relationships have remained strong.”

Wolff and the Verstappen dream

Wolff has expressed interest in a possible partnership with Max in the past, but the Stuttgart team is currently focused on the future, with George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli eyeing a 2025 deal following Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari. “It seems natural to look to the next generation now,” he said. “Max is a talented driver and an intriguing personality. No one can predict what will happen, but having Kimi and George in the team, two young people who have grown up in our environment, is a great asset. They have shown their potential at every step of their careers, and I am very excited about the situation.”

Mercedes bets on Kimi Antonelli's talent

Mercedes' decision to invest in its youngsters is part of a long-term strategy, which aims to create a competitive team thanks to the talents developed internally. The possibility of one day collaborating with Verstappen remains, but for now the team seems determined to focus on a future built on its emerging drivers, in line with the tradition of valorising youngsters grown in the nursery.