Toto Wolff’s pursuit of Max Verstappen’s signature did not stem from Lewis Hamilton’s decision to move to Ferrari in 2025. The Austrian wanted Verstappen even before he made his F1 debut, and the three-time world champion once revealed the strange reason why he didn’t respond to Wolff.
In an interview from his younger days at Red Bull, Verstappen recounted a story about Wolff calling him. He later corrected himself, revealing that Wolff had actually contacted his father, Jos Verstappen. But the Dutch prodigy was in the same room.
This was probably when Wolff tried to bring Verstappen on board as a young Mercedes driver. However, he couldn’t offer the Dutchman what Red Bull did — a 2015 F1 entry through Toro Rosso.
When the interviewer asked Verstappen if Jos had put the call on speakerphone, Verstappen replied, “No, he’s out, I’m watching TV and don’t want to be disturbed.” A hilarious response that had everyone in attendance laughing.
Why Verstappen didn’t care that an F1 team director personally called his father is unknown. But given his talent in the junior circuit and his reputation, he was almost certain to reach the pinnacle of motorsport.
Verstappen’s first taste of F1 action came in 2014, when he took part in FP1 of the Japanese GP at Suzuka. A few months later, he made his debut for Toro Rosso — and just a year and a half later — joined Red Bull.
By 2024, Verstappen will have won three world championships with the Milton Keynes-based team, but he remains a coveted driver for Wolff.
Wolff’s decision to ditch Verstappen for 2025
Wolff wanted Verstappen to replace Hamilton – who is moving to Ferrari – in 2025. But after a meeting with the Dutch drivers’ group over the summer break, the Mercedes boss decided it was time to give up on that dream.
Ahead of the Dutch GP, Wolff said,
“We came to the conclusion together in the summer that we should not wait for something to happen before committing to 2025, but to continue our work….”
Verstappen will continue to drive for Red Bull, something Wolff revealed was a “common thought”. Instead of the 26-year-old, Wolff and his team will announce Italian prodigy Kimi Antonelli as Hamilton’s replacement.
