Toto Wolff has joked about the joint GT3 project with Max Verstappen, saying Mercedes has the Dutchman for the "real hero races" such as the Nurburgring 24 Hours. The comments came during a media session with Dutch journalists at Zandvoort, a tradition that often produces headline-worthy remarks.
Wolff also addressed Verstappen's new Red Bull contract, noting that the chances of a move to Mercedes were greater last year than in recent months. However, he insisted their paths are already crossing – just not in Formula 1.
"Well, the paths have crossed already with the GT racing. When we jointly developed that programme a year and a half ago, it seemed a long shot. Could Red Bull ever allow Max in a Mercedes GT3? But they were open-minded and we are thankful for that," said Wolff.
The Mercedes-Red Bull collaboration has been successful, with Verstappen competing in several iconic endurance events. Wolff joked that Mercedes gets Verstappen for the "real hero races" on the Nordschleife, contrasting it with F1's gravel traps and run-off areas.
"We have these things here in F1 with massive gravel traps and flat run-off zones. The real racing is where you go through the trees and up and downs over crests and blind corners," Wolff quipped.
Context and Impact
These remarks come amid speculation about Verstappen's future, which previously linked him to Mercedes. Despite his contract extension with Red Bull, the GT3 collaboration highlights the strong relationship between the teams. It also reinforces Mercedes' image as a manufacturer open to cross-brand partnerships.
For fans, this collaboration offers exciting viewing beyond F1, showing Verstappen's continued ties with Mercedes in endurance racing. Wolff acknowledged the project opens doors for broader cooperation in the future, though he declined to speculate further.
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