© Jiri Krenek for Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix Ltd.
Toto Wolff says “there is a certain situation at Red Bull”, so he believes “Max will decide his future in the coming weeks depending on how the situation evolves”.
Amid rumours of Max Verstappen’ possible switch to Mercedes, Toto Wolff hints that Red Bull’s handling of Christian Horner’s alleged inappropriate behaviour investigation and its aftermath, could play a role in Max’s decision.
“I don’t want to speculate too much about his thoughts or put pressure on him,” the Austrian said.
“Now he is in the best car and has a very good relationship with Red Bull, it’s just that maybe the whole work environment at the moment is not as it should be.
“In due time, Max, Jos [Verstappen, Max’s father] and Raymond Vermeulen, their manager, will have to decide what their priority is – the car, the results, or certain values within the team that may or may not be respected and that they consider important.
“Knowing them quite well, I think Max and Jos are very attached to clear values.”
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Wolff also said he had made some “mistakes” with how he handled the fierce rivalry between Mercedes and Red Bull in 2021.
“Jos and I are the same age. I think we’ve always respected each other and we also have the same kind of humour. But I think the most important thing is that we both don’t like nonsense.
“Jos knows more about racing than me, and also than Max. Maybe I know a little more about how to run an organisation.
“It’s unfortunate that there was some rivalry, but I will always defend my driver, and they probably would have behaved the same way.
“But looking back at 2021, it’s clear that I made some mistakes, but I can’t go back.”
Wolff added Max is a part of only a “small group of drivers” that Mercedes is currently looking at as Lewis Hamilton’s 2025 replacement.
“Among them are some drivers who will not make hasty decisions. There are options for drivers in the short term, but also in the long term.
“There is a certain situation at Red Bull. So, presumably, Max will decide his future in the coming weeks depending on how the situation evolves. Is he number 1 on the wish list? It’s a great opportunity.
“We already knew that Lewis could leave after this year when he signed the contract. But at the same time, this creates opportunities for us, while Ferrari and McLaren have no vacancies.
“I want to let my mind wander for the next two or three months and then decide which direction to take.
“We prefer to walk towards the right decision than run towards the wrong one,” Wolff concluded.
