Wolff spills details of pursuit of Verstappen for Mercedes switch

Speaking on the Drive to Survive series, set to premiere on Friday, the Mercedes team principal admitted he had been in contact with the Dutch driver over a potential switch.

Wolff acknowledged that such conversations were necessary, given Verstappen’s status as a four-time world champion. When asked directly about the talks, he said:

"Yes. Certainly, when a four-time world champion appears to be available, that is a conversation I need to have," Wolff said.

Pressed further about whether there remains a chance Verstappen signs for the Mercedes team, the 54-year-old added:

The 2025 season witnessed talks of Verstappen and a possible move to the Brackley-based outfit dominating headlines, particularly over much of the mid-season break, no thanks to the uncertainty surrounding George Russell’s future at the team.

However, these speculations were put to rest when Verstappen confirmed he would continue at Red Bull, with Russell subsequently signing an extension at Mercedes.

Earlier, Wolff labelled the Red Bull Racing team as the benchmark for the upcoming Formula 1 season.

The Austrian stressed that the RB22, with Verstappen behind the wheel, will prove to be a much quicker car than has been seen so far. Wolff particularly highlighted the energy deployment of the Red Bull Ford engine as impressive.

Verstappen, however, quickly responded to Wolff’s comments, stressing that he expects to see the Brackley team fighting at the front of the grid when the season kicks off in Australia.