Mercedes Formula 1 boss Toto Wolff has criticised rumours that he’s set to hold discussions with Max Verstappen’s camp over a potential move to the team in 2025.
Wolff has been open that Verstappen is his main choice to replace the departing Lewis Hamilton, who leaves at the end of 2024 to pursue a new chapter with Ferrari.
Verstappen is contracted to Red Bull through 2028 and is on course to secure a fourth successive title, but Wolff is aiming to capitalise on the unrest inside its ranks.
The Dutchman’s father, Jos, sparked rumours his son could consider an exit when he suggested Christian Horner’s presence as team boss could “tear apart” Red Bull.
Reports have emerged that the Verstappens and manager Raymond Vermeulen will talk with Mercedes co-owners Wolff, Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ola Kallenius post-Miami.
But speaking about that speculation at an event in New York with Mercedes partner WhatsApp earlier this week, Wolff told Reuters: “No, that’s one of the rumours.
“People make up meetings, make up what’s happening with the drivers but these things should be behind closed doors and everything that’s been out there was not really the right thing.”
Speculation surrounding Verstappen’s future has been reignited with reports and subsequent confirmation that design legend Adrian Newey will leave Red Bull in 2025.
The Briton, 65, has been associated with the Austrian outfit for almost two decades and has designed the cars that Verstappen has driven to 58 race victories to date.
“Adrian Newey is an iconic engineer in Formula One with a great track record and again, also there are so many people talking about what he eventually might do and whether he leaves Red Bull or not,” Wolff said prior to Red Bull announcing that Newei will vacate his position.
“I’m just looking at it like a fan and watching that space.”
Mercedes enters the Miami Grand Prix this weekend with the hope that an upgrade package will enable it to become a more competitive proposition than past rounds.
The German marque is situated fourth in the Constructors’ Championship after five events, 44 points behind McLaren above and a seismic 143 points adrift of Red Bull.
“We don’t really know what to expect because it’s been a tricky season so far. Let’s see what the stopwatch says,” Wolff concluded.
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