Max Verstappen and Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff have been spotted holidaying together in Sardinia, bringing the Dutch driver’s future back into focus during Formula 1’s summer break. Photos circulating on social media have inevitably reignited speculation about a possible move to Mercedes, even though the most likely outcome for 2027 remains a continuation of Max Verstappen’s relationship with Red Bull.
Formula 1 entered its traditional summer shutdown after the Hungarian Grand Prix, but the driver market has shown no sign of cooling down. Max Verstappen remains formally under contract with Red Bull until the end of 2028, although he can activate an early exit clause in his Red Bull contract that would allow him to leave ahead of next season.
Max Verstappen and Toto Wolff holiday together
Discussion surrounding Max Verstappen’s Formula 1 future has now been fuelled further by photographs showing the reigning star on holiday with Toto Wolff. The two rivals both enjoy spending their free time in Sardinia and have once again shared part of the summer break, as revealed by images that have spread widely across social media.
Photos of Max Verstappen, Kelly Piquet and Toto Wolff
Max Verstappen, his partner Kelly Piquet and Toto Wolff were photographed together while enjoying their summer holiday.
Last year, Max Verstappen was a guest aboard Mangusta, Toto Wolff’s yacht. Twelve months ago, however, the prospect of “Super Max” joining the Austrian executive at Mercedes appeared considerably more realistic. Toto Wolff even admitted that he had attempted to secure Max Verstappen’s services as part of Mercedes’ efforts to return to winning ways.
The situation is different now. Mercedes is back at the front, while Kimi Antonelli has surprised virtually everyone — perhaps including Toto Wolff — with his level of competitiveness. With Kimi Antonelli strengthening his championship lead in Hungary, the Brackley team has less immediate need to recruit Max Verstappen.
Mercedes line-up appears settled for 2027
Mercedes appears to be “set” for 2027, with Kimi Antonelli firmly in the championship fight and George Russell stating that he is certain to remain with the team next season. However, Toto Wolff’s desire to bring Max Verstappen to Mercedes at some point in the future is undeniable. The Austrian has repeatedly said that he would not be afraid to create a formidable line-up pairing Max Verstappen with Kimi Antonelli.
McLaren also remains in the background as a possible destination, but the Woking team is satisfied with Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. That driver pairing has allowed McLaren both to improve its competitiveness during the season, as demonstrated by Lando Norris’ Hungarian Grand Prix victory, and to win world championships.
Red Bull remains the most likely option for Max Verstappen
For the immediate future — specifically the 2027 season — the most probable outcome is therefore for Max Verstappen to remain with Red Bull. His longer-term future is far less certain, however, with every possibility still open for 2028 and especially 2029.
The holiday photographs do not confirm that negotiations are taking place, but Max Verstappen’s time with Toto Wolff ensures that one of Formula 1’s biggest potential transfers will remain a major talking point throughout the summer break.
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