F1 fans think Max Verstappen’s engineer just sent ‘cheeky’ message to Toto Wolff in British Grand Prix radio

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Max Verstappen came out of nowhere to secure his fourth pole position of the 2025 Formula 1 season at the British Grand Prix.

The Dutchman looked like an outsider for pole position as he was half a second down on the McLarens and the Ferraris in Friday practice. Managing just P10 in FP1, Verstappen was constantly complaining about his RB21’s brakes and cornering.

But as has been the case throughout 2025, Red Bull fixed his setup on Saturday as the four-time champion set a stunning time for pole position in qualifying. Verstappen beat out Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris for pole, going just over a tenth quicker than the former.

It was exactly what the 27-year-old and Red Bull needed, given that he has been bombarded by questions at the British Grand Prix about his future. Verstappen is in talks with Mercedes over a future move, with speculation rife as to when he will make that move.

F1 fans felt Toto Wolff sent a ‘sublime message’ to Verstappen with the W16’s orange stars on the car at Silverstone. But after taking pole position, fans think Verstappen’s engineer hit back with a ‘cheeky’ dig of his own.

F1 fans think Max Verstappen’s engineer sent a ‘cheeky’ message to Toto Wolff after taking pole position at Silverstone

Mercedes duo George Russell and Kimi Antonelli managed P4 and P7 respectively. After Verstappen took pole, his engineer Gianpiero Lambiase came over the radio to say that his driver went ‘motor racing’ at Silverstone.

There might not be much in the message, but fans were quick to point out a reference to former race director Michael Masi. He had said that to Wolff during an exchange in the infamous 2021 season, and several people were in hysterics on X (formerly Twitter) over the message.

“No ways he said that,” said one fan, while another said: “Had me dying that did.”

“No no! That is so not right!”, said another user, referencing what Wolff shouted at Masi when he controversially allowed lapped cars between Hamilton and Verstappen to pass under the safety car in Abu Dhabi in 2021, costing the Brit the title.

“Toto was later found mumbling, shaking, crying and rocking in the corner!” another fan said. Several fans loved Lambiase’s message amid all the rumours surrounding Mercedes and Verstappen.

“God damn that’s cheeky by GP, sticking some barbs into the Mercedes rumours,” said one fan, while another said: “Toto isn’t gonna let GP go with max anymore.”

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

Speculation surrounding Max Verstappen’s links to Mercedes set to continue after the British Grand Prix

Verstappen’s pole position at Silverstone will briefly silence the rumours about his future at Red Bull. However, they are certain to continue until it is made absolutely clear about where the Dutchman will be racing.

Verstappen has reportedly ‘said yes’ to Mercedes, although it is not clear what deal he has agreed on. There are doubts surrounding Red Bull’s competitiveness in 2026 and their new power unit.

But Verstappen is not expected to move until 2027. He may have pulled off a genius move as he is waiting to see what the pecking order will be under the new technical regulations.

Wolff could even wait until 2028 to sign Verstappen as he is ‘open to the idea’ of bringing him in after his Red Bull contract expires. He will certainly continue to monitor his situation as it develops in 2025.