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'Wolff too smart to sign Max Verstappen', claims Steiner
Speculation surrounding Max Verstappen's potential move to Mercedes takes a surprising turn: former team principal Guenther Steiner believes Toto Wolff is 'too smart' to make such a deal.
By Nadia van Leeuwen - 2026-07-11T17:38:55.000Z - 1 min read
Rumours have been swirling around four-time world champion Max Verstappen's future for some time. A potential switch to Mercedes is frequently mentioned, but former Haas team principal Guenther Steiner is firmly dampening those expectations. According to him, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff is "too smart" to make such a move.
Steiner publicly questions the logic behind Mercedes' attempts to sign the Dutchman. He insinuates that Wolff makes calculated choices and might not view such a transfer as the most strategic option for his team.
The uncertainty surrounding Verstappen's contractual situation does not come out of nowhere. He has previously expressed his dissatisfaction with the new regulations and the cars that accompany them. In addition, the Red Bull driver is dealing with unspecified internal issues.
Steiner's comments add a new dimension to the already intense paddock speculation. Whether Wolff indeed sticks to his 'smart' approach and which direction Verstappen's future will take remain subject to debate and a source of rumours.