Mercedes’ start to 2026 F1 season proves why Toto Wolff needs to give up on signing Max Verstappen

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Toto Wolff has missed several opportunities to sign Max Verstappen over the years. He has always dreamed of having him at Mercedes, but now, that dream should end.

After missing out on the Dutchman to Red Bull in his junior days, Wolff has been waiting for the chance to sign him during his F1 career. Mercedes gave the ‘green light’ to sign Verstappen in 2025, as it looked as though he could leave Red Bull amid drama behind the scenes.

In the end, the four-time champion committed to the Milton Keynes outfit in 2026. Reports have suggested that Wolff is ‘keeping the door open’ for Verstappen in 2027, but the start to this season must be giving the Austrian a huge headache.

Is Toto Wolff planting the seeds for poaching Max Verstappen from Red Bull? 🤔

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Mercedes retained George Russell and Kimi Antonelli for 2026, with the length of their new contracts being disputed. Heading into pre-season, many believed that they would have the advantage with the new regulations.

It was widely suggested that the Silver Arrows were sandbagging during testing, and that theory might have been proven by the first two rounds of the season. Russell claimed the win in Australia, while Antonelli grabbed his maiden F1 victory in China.

Wolff’s team have claimed double 1-2 finishes to start the season and look in complete control of the field. After the first two rounds, it would not make sense to change this winning formula.

Toto Wolff must stop pursuing Max Verstappen and focus on George Russell and Kimi Antonelli

While Russell and Antonelli flourish in the W17, Verstappen is struggling with the RB22 and the new regulations. He was 50 seconds off the pace in Australia in P6, while an ERS problem forced him out of the Chinese GP.

Verstappen berated the new ruleset, as he has done since they were first proposed, after the race. Given the differing levels of performance from Red Bull and Mercedes, he may be having second thoughts about his future.

The Dutchman would be, in theory, able to leave Red Bull this season through an exit clause in his contract. Naturally, Mercedes will be the car for him to have, but at this stage, the idea of Wolff changing his current line-up is baffling.

Would Max Verstappen be complaining about F1’s 2026 regulations if he had joined Mercedes?

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Russell has been backed as the favourite for the title in 2026, and the Brit is certainly looking like a strong contender. Meanwhile, Antonelli has taken a step forward, and as China proved, he is capable of controlling races and leading from the front.

Right now, it would be unnecessary for Wolff to sign Verstappen and drop one of his drivers who are performing brilliantly. Not to mention, it would be an expensive risk, given the salary the Dutchman has at Red Bull and that he has two years remaining on his contract.

It feels like Verstappen needs Mercedes more than the team needs him. The Brackley outfit are in a great position with their current drivers, giving Wolff no real reason to change it besides wanting to fulfil a dream that he has failed to turn into reality multiple times.

READ MORE: Red Bull driver Max Verstappen’s life outside F1 from net worth to girlfriend

Will Max Verstappen stay in Formula 1 at all after 2026?

Verstappen still has faith in Red Bull amid their struggles in 2026. But his comments about the regulations have been hard to ignore, especially when he has hinted at the prospect of retirement several times.

Following his latest outburst, F1 fans think Verstappen could retire sooner than expected. As aforementioned, he has an exit clause in his contract which he can activate this season, and it is plausible to think that he could walk away from the sport entirely.

The 28-year-old does have multiple ventures and interests outside of F1, such as sim racing and endurance events. Verstappen is set to compete in this year’s 24-hour race at the Nurburgring.

But despite this, the Red Bull driver has shown that he is passionate about F1. Verstappen has proposed potential changes to the regulations to the FIA, hoping to find the right balance.