Wolff makes 'never' revelation in Verstappen Mercedes communication

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has revealed that there was "never" a concrete plan to sign Max Verstappen from Red Bull to replace Lewis Hamilton. 

Whilst a plan was not in place, constant communication did take place between Verstappen and the Silver Arrows, according to Wolff. 

For the majority of 2024, the four-time world champion was linked with a move away from Red Bull following several issues for the Milton Keynes-based team. 

The initial problem which kickstarted rumours of a Verstappen exit was the investigation into Red Bull team principal Christian Horner, who was later cleared of any wrongdoing. 

Not long after, there were reports of a power struggle between Horner and Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko, before Horner and Verstappen's father, Jos, had a public row. 

All of those problems were off the circuit and within the Red Bull camp; however, even on the circuit, the Austrian outfit encountered several issues with the RB20. 

Verstappen still managed to claim the drivers' title, although the constructors' crown was not defended. 

Throughout the Red Bull turmoil, Wolff spoke highly of Verstappen and hinted at his desire to sign the 27-year-old. 

In the end, Verstappen told Mercedes that he wished to remain with Red Bull, resulting in the Brackley-based team to turn to its Kimi Antonelli.

"There was never a plan," Wolff insisted to Auto Motor und Sport. "We always talked and kept the line of communication open. 

"At some point he said that he wanted to stay where he was for the time being because it felt right for him. 

"And I said that we  would go with Kimi [Antonelli] because it also felt right for us. And now  we'll see where it takes us."