What ‘sources within Mercedes’ are saying about Max Verstappen and Toto Wolff both travelling to Sardinia

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Max Verstappen has passed up numerous opportunities to definitely state that he’ll be racing for Red Bull next year. And until he does so, there’s hope for Toto Wolff.

The Mercedes boss is determined to bring Verstappen to Brackley, whether that’s in 2026 or further down the line. That’s why he hasn’t handed the outstanding George Russell a new contract yet.

Verstappen has refused to meaningfully engage with most questions about his future, even though it’s been among the biggest talking points at the last two races. If he doesn’t feel the need to make a public commitment, he could relay the message through the media.

But it’s clear that he hasn’t made a final decision just yet, even after the sacking of Christian Horner. Verstappen’s contract contains exit clauses, one of which could become active in the near future depending on his results before the summer break.

Mercedes insist Toto Wolff didn’t hold Max Verstappen talks in Sardinia?

The three-week break between the British and Belgian Grands Prix gives drivers and team members the chance to go on holiday. It also means Verstappen isn’t obliged to answer any immediate questions about Horner’s exit, and what it might mean for his future.

The rumour mill entered overdrive on Friday when, as reported by Bild, Verstappen’s private jet landed in Sardinia. Wolff is also believed to be on the Italian island.

It was even suggested their respective yachts were moored next to one another in a harbour. Sky Germany pundit Ralf Schumacher says it’s ‘no coincidence’.

However, ‘sources within Mercedes’ disagree. They insist that the two ‘didn’t even meet’, although Bild add that the ‘negotiations will continue’ elsewhere.

Why George Russell is more likely to race for Red Bull after Christian Horner exit

Wolff is likely to receive a definitive answer from Verstappen, at least for 2026, in the next few weeks. It’s worth remembering that talks took place last year too before they were postponed.

Verstappen’s manager says they will continue to monitor Red Bull’s performance, which indicates that removing Horner alone hasn’t addressed his doubts. The consensus is that Mercedes have built the best engine for the new regulations, but Wolff will be wary of sharing too much information in case he doesn’t join.

With each race that passes, the situation becomes more uncomfortable for Russell. The Englishman is enjoying arguably the best season of his career and will feel he deserves clarity.

Russell joining Red Bull is more likely now that Horner is gone. His personal rivalry with Wolff was seen as an obstacle to the move, but that’s now been removed.