Mercedes Formula One team boss Toto Wolff has shut down rumors of a meeting with Max Verstappen’s management following the Miami Grand Prix this weekend. With Lewis Hamilton set to depart for Ferrari at the end of the season, Mercedes is on the hunt for a replacement driver.
Speculation in Germany suggested that Verstappen’s father Jos and manager Raymond Vermeulen would meet with Wolff, Ineos boss Jim Ratcliffe, and Mercedes Benz CEO Ola Kallenius. However, Wolff dismissed these rumors at an event in New York, emphasizing the importance of keeping such discussions private.
While Wolff has expressed interest in signing Verstappen as Hamilton’s replacement, the Dutch driver is currently under contract with Red Bull until 2028. Verstappen has been dominating the current season, winning four out of five races despite internal turmoil within the Red Bull team.
The future of Red Bull’s top designer Adrian Newey is also uncertain, with reports suggesting he may be seeking to leave the team. Wolff, a fan of Newey’s work, is keeping an eye on the situation.
Mercedes is bringing an upgrade package to Miami after a challenging season so far, with Hamilton finishing no higher than seventh in races. Wolff remains optimistic but cautious about the team’s performance, especially with the unpredictable nature of this season.
Hamilton is set to participate in a Formula One demonstration run on Manhattan’s Fifth Avenue, showcasing the innovative ‘WhatsApp button’ on the Mercedes car’s steering wheel for secure communication between drivers and engineers.