Red Bull Racing Formula One driver Max Verstappen has been reportedly pictured with Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff, holidaying on the Mercedes chief’s yacht off the coast of Sardinia. The images posted by Autosprint on Wednesday have been going viral on social media.
As F1 enjoys the summer break, drivers and team principals take time off from the hectic 24-race schedule, staying away from the world of premier class racing. However, Wolff potentially spending the holiday with the four-time world champion has caused a row.
The Italian publication posted that Verstappen was a guest on Wolff’s yacht. In addition, Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc was also spotted by fans in Sardinia. The post read:
“What do Formula 1 drivers do when they’re on vacation? This is a question many ask, and for three of them, we have a definitive and concrete answer.
“Toto Wolff and Max Verstappen met in Cala di Volpe, Sardinia, on the Austrian’s yacht, where the four-time Dutch world champion was a guest.
“Max has renewed his commitment to Red Bull for 2026, but it’s hard to believe Wolff has given up on his plan to bring the Dutch driver to Mercedes. Just as it’s easy to imagine Verstappen is keeping several options open for 2027.
“And that Sardinian pier was also frequented by Charles Leclerc: the Ferrari driver appeared relaxed and very willing to take some photos with the fans present.
“Even with the engines off, F1 can be very hot… ” [Translated by Google]
The images appear to be unusually blurry, especially Wolff’s face, which is not entirely clear, which gave rise to the suspicion that they could be AI-generated. However, Planet F1 has confirmed that the photos are genuine, stating that the “images are authentic and that Verstappen did visit Wolff’s yacht while both men are holidaying in Sardinia.”
While speculation about Verstappen’s potential move to Mercedes died down during the Hungarian Grand Prix weekend, the holiday photos with Wolff could bring up the topic of his Red Bull exit again.
Related: Guenther Steiner Exposes Max Verstappen’s Plan for Multi-Year Mercedes Contract
George Russell revealed in June that Mercedes was in talks with Verstappen for a future signing. The British driver’s contract, which expires at the end of 2025, is yet to be renewed by Mercedes. He revealed ahead of the summer break that he would use the much-needed holiday to rejuvenate, given the recent tensions surrounding his contract extension, for which he has been waiting for 12 months. Russell said:
“He [Toto Wolff] has got nothing to be worried about, I’ve got nothing to be worried about. Nothing is going to happen over the summer because I just want to have a rest and recharge and come back stronger for the second half of the year but there’s no time pressure either way.
“It will happen when it happens, it’s a when not if. I’m 27 now, I’ve been with the team four years, next year would be my fifth and we want to build the relationship together but it’s got to be right and I don’t want to rush it. I’ve been waiting 12 months, I’m not going to just rush it in the course of two weeks so we’ll sit down when the time is right.”
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