Mercedes Boss Drops Bombshell: Max Verstappen Won’t Be Joining Mercedes!
In a shocking turn of events, Toto Wolff, the mastermind behind the Mercedes F1 team, has just dropped a bombshell regarding the potential signing of Max Verstappen. After much speculation and anticipation, Wolff has finally hinted at the conclusion that Verstappen will not be donning the Silver Arrows in the upcoming 2026 season.
The saga of Mercedes openly pursuing Verstappen has kept fans on the edge of their seats, especially with current drivers George Russell and Kimi Antonelli’s contracts expiring at the end of this season. While Russell seemed confident about securing an extension, and Wolff publicly showed support for Antonelli during his rookie season, the recent upheavals at Red Bull, including the dismissal of Christian Horner, fueled the rumors of Verstappen making a move.
Despite the swirling gossip, Verstappen himself has remained cryptic about his future, refusing to provide a definite commitment amidst the imminent chassis and engine changes in F1. Wolff, aligning with Russell and Antonelli, hinted at a different timeline for Verstappen’s potential departure, possibly in 2027.
Wolff emphasized, “It’s not just about the team making a decision. The drivers need to be certain too. Our priority is to continue with George and Kimi. They are fully informed.”
During the break between the British and Belgian Grand Prix, eagle-eyed fans noticed Wolff and Verstappen vacationing in Sardinia, sparking further speculations. However, Wolff dismissed the frenzy over a photoshopped image of him boarding Verstappen’s private plane, clarifying that vacationing near each other doesn’t equate to professional collaboration.
As the F1 world awaits the unfolding drama, the stage is set for an intense battle at the Belgian Grand Prix. With Red Bull ushering in a new era under Laurent Mekies and the fierce competition for the drivers’ championship, the upcoming races promise to be nothing short of electrifying.