Verstappen and Wolff holiday companions
After the Hungarian GP, F1 started its summer break. And, as usual, these are very hot days also for the market. Among those who have to decide their future is Max Verstappen, who is formally bound by a contract with Red Bull until the end of 2028, but can activate the early exit clause that would free him for the next season.
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Joining the discussions around the future of the Dutch champion are the photos showing Verstappen on holiday with Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff. The two rivals, who love spending their free time in Sardinia, also enjoyed the summer break together this year, as revealed by some photos that are making the rounds on social media.
The photos
Here are some of the photos of Verstappen, his partner Kelly Piquet, and Wolff “paparazzi” on holiday.
Max Verstappen and Toto Wolff meeting again on summer vacation. 😂 pic.twitter.com/915c9WX066
— Max Verstappen Brasil (@BRMaxVerstappen) July 29, 2026
Last year Verstappen was a guest on the Mangusta, the yacht of the Mercedes team principal. Twelve months ago, however, the scenario of a Super Max at Wolff’s court was much more likely, to the point that the Austrian himself admitted having tried to secure the Dutchman to return to winning. Now, with a Mercedes back at the top and a Kimi Antonelli who surprised everyone, perhaps even Wolff, with his level of competitiveness, the Brackley team has less immediate need for a Verstappen.
Mercedes is “set” for 2027, with Antonelli launched towards the title and a George Russell who has confirmed his stay for the next championship. It is undeniable, however, that Wolff wants Verstappen on the team in the future, and the Austrian himself has repeatedly stated that he is not afraid to form a super team with the Dutchman alongside Antonelli.
Always waiting in the wings is McLaren, but the Woking team is happy with Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri and has shown that this setup allows it both to grow competitiveness within the season (as emerged in Budapest) and to win World Championships. Therefore, for the immediate future – read 2027 – the most likely hypothesis is Verstappen’s stay at Red Bull. For 2028, and especially for 2029, everything is wide open.
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