People make up meetings: Wolff confirms Verstappen not in talks with Mercedes for a potential 2025 move

Ever since Lewis Hamilton announced his move from Mercedes, to join Ferrari in 2025, Mercedes are searching for his replacement. Team principal Toto Wolff has openly courted Dutchman Max Verstappen, who is the reigning three-time champion, expressing regret over not signing him a decade ago. Thus, given Wolff's interest in Verstappen, there have been strong rumours of the latter being inclined to join Mercedes in 2025. However, Wolff has brushed aside all such rumours and confirmed that there no talks have been held with Verstappen's team during the Miami Grand Prix.

German media had reported that Wolff was scheduled to have a talk with Verstappen's fatherJos and manager Raymond Vermeulen -- whichIneos boss Jim Ratcliffe and Mercedes Benz CEO Ola Kallenius were also supposed to join during the Miami GP. However, Wolff has confirmedno such meeting ever took place.

'People make up meetings'

He was quoted as saying by Reuters, "No, that’s one of the rumours. People make up meetings, make up what’s happening with the drivers but these things should be behind closed doors and everything that’s been out there was not really the right thing."

Although Wolff has dismissed all such rumours, he has a genuine interest in acquiring the services of Verstappen. He had previously suggested that the reigning champion was part of the driver market despite Verstappen's contract with Red Bull lasting until 2028.

The Mercedes team principal, like many, believes that Verstappen's decision about his future depends on the 2026 F1 regulations, which will be the most crucial factor in influencing his next move.

However, Red Bull's team principal Christian Horner has confirmed that Verstappen is not even considering a move and is content with his current team.