Wolff takes Verstappen's Red Bull confirmation with pinch of salt

Toto Wolff has left the door open for Mercedes to sign Max Verstappen, despite the world champion confirming he will be at Red Bull in 2025.

The 52-year-old has been keen to lure Verstappen from Red Bull to replace Ferrari-bound Lewis Hamilton and has launched something of a public charm offensive over recent months, although Verstappen squashed rumours of a defection for 2025 on Thursday ahead of the Austrian Grand Prix.

When this confirmation was put to Mercedes chief Wolff, he described how the team would not change from its approach of taking its time to select Hamilton's successor with protege Andrea Kimi Antonelli tipped to partner George Russell.

"Did Max actually say 'yes'? I don't think he literally said so, but I wasn't there," Wolff told OE24.

"We will keep a seat open for as long as possible, but first of all, it is up to us to make our car faster. If the car is fast, more fast drivers will want to drive for us. 

"I have said it many times recently. Max Verstappen is the best driver at the moment and is an extraordinary driver.

"Everyone who sees even a chance wants him in the car. [Mercedes-Benz CEO] Ola Kallenius thinks the same."