Mercedes Eyes Max Verstappen for 2026: Toto Wolff Reveals Strategic Plans Amid Red Bull Rivalry

Toto Wolff shares strategy to lure Max Verstappen: “2026 is the year when significant changes are expected.”

“There could be an opportunity. However, 2026 is the pivotal year when many things will be different.”

Toto Wolff thinks that Mercedes won't be able to lure Max Verstappen to their team until the new Formula 1 regulations take effect in 2026.

The senior executives at Mercedes have expressed a strong interest in recruiting Verstappen to take over for Lewis Hamilton.

Although Andrea Kimi Antonelli is slated to become part of the team next year, Mercedes is waiting to determine if they can secure a contract with the current world champion in Formula 1.

Max Verstappen is signed with Red Bull Racing until the conclusion of 2028, but there is speculation that he might exit the team if Helmut Marko departs.

The decline in Red Bull's performance has happened at the same time as Mercedes has made a strong comeback.

Many believe that Mercedes might be the top team in 2026 due to the new regulations focusing on engine performance.

Nonetheless, Wolff admits that it is improbable to secure Verstappen for 2025 as Red Bull possesses a "highly dominant" car.

In an interview with Sky Sports, he questioned, "Would Max Verstappen contemplate a move to Mercedes in 2025? Absolutely not. There's no rationale for such a decision. Why would he?"

"The car is incredibly powerful. There’s a possibility he might clinch victory in every race. Drivers are constantly on the lookout for such a vehicle. This situation has evolved in recent weeks and months."

"Perhaps there's an opportunity, but 2026 is the key year when significant changes will occur."

"I believe it might be appealing to join us. However, I'm uncertain if Max can get out of his current contract."

Wolff believes that if Mercedes builds a fast car in 2026, it will be significantly easier to draw Verstappen to the team, regardless of any exit clause in his current contract.

"I have no idea what form it takes," he commented. "Regardless, if a driver is unwilling to remain at a location, it's quite challenging to make them stay."

"I am not counting on that alone. I focus on our performance – a fast car is what will draw the interest of a skilled driver. This is our primary goal. The changes in driver line-ups are not the final chapter."

Carlos Sainz was considered a possible candidate for Mercedes, with Wolff referring to him as "hugely underrated."

Given the discrepancy in the timing of when a decision is expected versus when Sainz desires it, it's probable that the Spanish driver will choose Alpine, Sauber, or Williams.

He revealed that he was inclined to choose Carlos Sainz due to his being significantly undervalued and diligent. However, he added, “I doubt they can afford to wait as long as we require, considering our decision might not come until November.”

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