Secret yacht meeting? Mercedes trying to get Verstappen

Max Verstappen and Mercedes – it's the flirtation of the summer. The four-time world champion has reportedly been spotted together with Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff.

July 13, 2025

From: sn

With the help of aircraft and yacht trackers, Max Verstappen's trip to Sardinia was tracked. A well-deserved break for the Red Bull superstar, who apparently wants to use the three weeks between the Silverstone Grand Prix and the Belgian GP (July 25-27) to relax. Nothing unusual so far – if a certain Toto Wolff hadn't appeared on the Sardinian coast.

The Mercedes team boss's yacht was also spotted off the Italian island. It's now an open secret that the 53-year-old wants to strengthen his racing team with Verstappen. Since the Austrian Grand Prix, the Viennese has intensified his efforts. Now, a secret meeting between the two is said to have taken place.

Verstappen's brother-in-law lets slip

"It is no coincidence that two boats are sailing off Sardinia this week. One belongs to Toto Wolff and the other to Max Verstappen," said Ralf Schumacher in an interview with Formel1.de"I could imagine having a coffee together sometime." Verstappen's contract with Red Bull runs until 2028, but a performance-related clause would allow him to leave early if he fails to break into the top three of the Drivers' Championship. According to consistent media reports, Mercedes would be willing to pay over 3 million euros as a transfer fee for Verstappen in such a case.

Toto Wolff wants to bring Max Verstappen to Mercedes. © APA / ERWIN SCHERIAU

Nelson Piquet Jr., the brother of Verstappen's fiancée Kelly, gave a podcast Pelas Tracks Now we have a taste of how far the negotiations might already be. "Who knows what will happen if Max drives there," he said when asked about Mercedes rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli's performance fluctuations. The former Renault driver noticed his own gaffe and tried to save himself. "He'll be racing in Formula 2026 in 1. I think he'll make his decision by August."