Max Verstappen smiles after Baku GP win. Photo: Race Pictures

Is the 5th title for Verstappen back? Wolff gives verdict on Red Bull star

08:52, 24 Sep

bySamson Ero

Toto Wolff has weighed in on recent conversations surrounding Max Verstappen's title chances. The Mercedes team principal hints that the Red Bull Racing drive could flip the title race on its head.

Toto Wolff spoke on Max Verstappen's title chances. Photo by: RacePictures

“You always need to be wary of what he can achieve.”

- Toto Wolff

The 53-year-old who spoke to the media during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix stressed the need to be wary of Verstappen, especially with the Red Bull Racing car feeling good currently. Wolff also hinted at how things could quickly swing in Verstappen’s favour, as was witnessed with Oscar Piastri’s crash in Baku.

“I think you always need to stay with your feet on the ground and be humble. He's had a good run. The car is good. Max Verstappen, you always need to be wary of what he can achieve, especially seeing that that is actually back on the cards. But I think what's the get 50 plus points or what is 69?”

“Well, that's the long shot. Things need to work in his favour. But you can see a DNF for the championship leader and everything, and Max scoring 25 points. So that can swing quickly.”

Verstappen on his title ambition

Max Verstappen also weighed in on the possibility of clinching the world championship. The four-time world champion stressed he doesn't place much thought on the championship at the moment, while emphasising that his focus remains on scoring as many points as possible.

Speaking during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix weekend, Verstappen said:

"I don't rely on hope, but there are seven rounds left, and 69 points is a lot. So I personally don't think about it. I just take it race by race, which is what I’ve been doing basically the whole season: trying to do the best we can, trying to score as many points as possible. And then after Abu Dhabi, we'll know."

The Dutch driver is currently 69 points behind championship leader Oscar Piastri, and further victories could see the gap between the pair reduce.

Check out our latest paddock update here 👇