Is Verstappen coming?

Wolff’s flirtation with the “Chinese dragon”

Is there something going on between Max Verstappen (left) and Toto Wolff?(Bild: EPA)

Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff is still toying with the idea of signing world champion Max Verstappen. The next "chat" could already be on the agenda in Miami.

"On his return to China, Max showed who has risen to become the ruler of the premier class over the past five years," was the headline in the Dutch newspaper AD, while the Gazzetta dello Sport commented after win number 21 in the last 23 races: "Verstappen is a dragon in China."

Red Bull Racing and Max Verstappen dominate Formula 1 like Michael Schumacher or Lewis Hamilton once did. And the harmony in the team is right. TV pictures in Shanghai even showed a friendly embrace between the "masterminds" Dr. Helmut Marko and Christian Horner. But the "premier class" wouldn't be the "premier class" if there weren't always some kind of disruptive fire

"Max has that depth"
According to a British media report, Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff's recent flirtation with a commitment from the three-time world champion is causing exciting discussions. "From the most rational point of view, you can say: 'Well, this is the fastest car in the hands of the fastest driver.' But I don't think that's the only reason why you stay where you are. Maybe for some people there's a bit more depth when they consider other factors as well. And I think Max has that depth," Wolff, who is looking for a successor to Lewis Hamilton, was quoted as saying. The 52-year-old Viennese may also have been alluding to the tense internal situation at Red Bull in recent weeks and months due to the chat affair surrounding Horner.

Toto Wolff(Bild: APA/AFP/Andrej ISAKOVIC)

Verstappen himself, on the other hand, is calmness personified. "I have signed a contract until 2028. The only thing I've said from the start is that I want a peaceful environment." He is happy with the team and there has never been a reason to leave it

Chat with Papa Jos?
In two weeks' time in Miami, dad Jos Verstappen is set to make his first appearance in the paddock since Bahrain. We'll have to wait and see whether there will be another chat with Wolff In any case, there is plenty of whispering and speculation - it seems rather unlikely that Sebastian Vettel will return for a year in 2025 and then be replaced by Verstappen when the new regulations come into force.