Wolff dismisses speculation of Verstappen-Mercedes talks
Wolff refutes speculation on Mercedes interest in Verstappen before Miami Grand Prix.
In a recent development in the Formula One paddock, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has rebuffed speculations surrounding a potential meeting with Max Verstappen's management team following the Miami Grand Prix. These rumors intensified amid Mercedes' search for a successor to the departing seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, who is set to join Ferrari at the season's end.
Reports originating from Germany suggested that Verstappen's father, Jos, and his manager, Raymond Vermeulen, were set to meet with Mercedes' key figures, including Wolff, Ineos boss Jim Ratcliffe, and Mercedes Benz CEO Ola Kallenius. However, Wolff was quick to discredit these rumors during a promotional event in New York for team partner WhatsApp. Speaking with Reuters Television, Wolff stated, "No, that's one of the rumors. 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."
Despite the denials, Wolff, who shares a longstanding relationship with Verstappen's father, has openly expressed his desire to see Verstappen replace Hamilton. Yet, Verstappen remains under contract with Red Bull until 2028, having notched four of five victories this season on his way to a potential fourth consecutive title. This success persists despite turbulence within the Red Bull camp, stemming from dismissed allegations of inappropriate behavior against team principal Christian Horner, which Verstappen's father had suggested could fracture the team internally.
Beyond Verstappen, the future of Red Bull’s chief designer Adrian Newey has also come under scrutiny, with reports circulating about his possible departure. Wolff commented on these rumors, saying, "Adrian Newey is an iconic engineer in Formula One with a great track record and, again, so many people are talking about what he eventually might do and whether he leaves Red Bull or not. I'm just looking at it like a fan and watching that space."
Meanwhile, Mercedes heads to Miami with hopes of turning their season around, introducing a new upgrade package after a lackluster start. Hamilton, who managed a second-place finish in Shanghai's sprint race, has struggled otherwise, with his best result being seventh. George Russell, his teammate, has so far peaked at fifth place, and Mercedes ranks fourth in the constructors' standings.
Wolff, reflecting on the season's challenges, remarked, "We don't really know what to expect because it's been a tricky season so far. Let's see what the stopwatch says." He also attended the New York event alongside Hamilton, who is set to showcase Mercedes' prowess in an F1 demonstration on Manhattan's Fifth Avenue.
Adding a touch of innovation, Mercedes introduced a 'WhatsApp button' on the steering wheel for enhanced communication between driver and engineer. "WhatsApp is all about secure and instant communication, and the main interaction between the driver and the engineers is via that button...it's such an innovative idea that all of us came up with and we're very proud," Wolff added.
As the Formula One season progresses, the paddock remains abuzz with speculation and potential shifts, but for now, Verstappen appears to remain a distant dream for Mercedes.
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