Wolff still not convinced: 'Verstappen was pretty much forced to answer'

Ahead of the Austrian Grand Prix, Max Verstappen reaffirmed that he will stay with Red Bull Racing next year. However, Toto Wolff is not convinced by his answer, stating that the Dutchman "pretty much had to be forced" to answer.

Earlier, the Mercedes team boss said he did not hear Verstappen "clearly say yes", although the Dutchman did when asked the question. Still, Wolff does not find the confirmation convincing enough and so the 52-year-old Austrian is keeping the door wide open.

Wolff reiterates that he is not so sure Verstappen really intends to stay. "He couldn't say anything else, could he? They pretty much had to force him to answer," the Mercedes boss told Motorsport-Total.com. Asked if he would put his hand in the fire for Verstappen driving for Red Bull in 2025, he replied, "I would put my hand in the fire for Max driving in Formula 1 next year."

At the same time, Wolff is realistic about Mercedes' chances of bringing the triple world champion to Brackley as early as the 2025 Formula 1 season. Responding to a question from GPblog in Austria, the team boss said Mercedes must first ensure it has a car that can continuously win races.