'Cheap' Toto Wolff: 'Then I only need to pay 10% for Max Verstappen'

Toto Wolff has confirmed he would still love to work with Max Verstappen one day.

It is now known that Verstappen will remain with Red Bull through 2026 after a clause in a contract that runs to the end of 2028 expired ahead of the recent Hungarian Grand Prix.

Prior to that, Verstappen had been heavily linked to Mercedes, going so far as to hold talks with Wolff over a possible switch, and in doing so, placing on hold conversations between the Austrian and George Russell over a new deal for the British driver.

Given the new regulations for 2026, the situation affords Verstappen the opportunity to sit back, take stock and potentially review his options again at some stage next year, clauses in his Red Bull deal permitting.

A positive for Wolff is that he and Verstappen have a strong understanding that he knows will stand them both in good stead should a chance eventually arrive for them to work together.

"Personally, we get on so well," said Wolff, speaking in a media session, including RacingNews365. "When you're on the same wavelength, it just feels easy.

"And that's what I see in the relationship; his views on racing, on other things in our lives, are very much on the same page."

Wolff feels their chances of working together are the same as it never happening, meaning the timing will be crucial.

"Could that mean our paths never cross because the timing is wrong? That could happen, yes," assessed Wolff.

"But you know, that could be 50 per cent. The other 50 per cent is that we could race together at a certain stage in our careers, if it is right for both sides."

It was then suggested to Wolff that it is "a good thing" Verstappen is remaining with Red Bull next year, as it means he does not have to pay him "100 million", whilst the Dutchman can then assess which team has the best car and make a move for 2027.

"It's hopefully us," said Wolff, with a smile, before adding with a quip, "And then I only need to pay 10 per cent, and that is exactly what I said to Raymond [Vermeulen] ", referring to Verstappen's manager.

As to Vermeulen's response. "Raymond said, 'Cheap Austrian'," laughed Wolff, "So I said, 'Greedy Dutch'."