Max Verstappen explains Toto Wolff Sardinia meeting rumours

Max Verstappen has explained rumours suggesting that he met Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff for a meeting in Sardinia. 

Verstappen's and Wolff's boats were spotted alongside each other in a port at the Italian island, leading to speculation that the pair had decided to meet in secret to discuss 2026. 

Across recent weeks, the four-time world champion has been heavily linked to Mercedes and a possible move for the start of the new power unit regulations next year. 

The Dutchman is known to have several exit clauses in his contract, some of which can be activated at some point this summer. 

However, speaking to media, including RacingNews365, ahead of this weekend's Belgian Grand Prix, Verstappen rejected claims he met the Austrian in Sardinia.

Verstappen stressed he simply visited the island for a holiday with friends and family, with it being entirely a coincidence that Wolff just so happened to be on vacation at the same island.

Asked about the rumours of meeting Wolff in Sardinia, Verstappen joked: "I was swimming in the ocean.

"I don't really care about these things because I went on holiday with my friends, my family, and when other people are also there at the same time, yeah, that can happen. 

"I mean, there are more people on the island than just me and Toto and the family. So, yeah, if you go to the same island, it can happen."

Rumours of Verstappen potentially joining Mercedes have cooled in Belgium, following a major indicator by Wolff that it would retain Kimi Antonelli and George Russell. 

Verstappen has remained silent on the matter, and insisted nothing has changed despite the exit of Christian Horner.