Ex-Ferrari Driver Shuts down Rumors over Max Verstappen’s Secret Meet up with Toto Wolff

Max Verstappen is the center of rumors of potentially leaving Red Bull to join Mercedes in the coming season. Following Christian Horner‘s exit, Verstappen hasn’t commented much on his contractual situation with Milton Keynes. Recently, many people tracked the Dutchman’s private jet location, and it was revealed that both Toto Wolff and the reigning world champion were present together in Sardinia. This further hinted that the 27-year-old is in advanced talks to join the German carmaker. However, ex-Ferrari driver Gerhard Berger has ruled out the possibility of the Red Bull star switching teams in 2026.

Max Verstappen and Co. allegedly wanted Christian Horner fired from the team if the energy drinks giant wanted to retain the Dutchman in their squad beyond 2025. Horner’s sudden axe from Milton Keynes means that the 27-year-old could now continue with the squad. However, Verstappen’s visit to Sardinia alongside Toto Wolff opened up a plethora of rumors of the Red Bull star already having confirmed his contract with Mercedes.

Gerhard Berger doesn’t sit right with his claim, and he has denied this possibility. The Austrian reckoned that both people being in Sardinia at the same time was a mere coincidence and there was nothing to be discussed upon further. Despite the persistent rumors, neither Toto Wolff nor Max Verstappen has formally declined the possibility of having a meeting on the Italian island in the past week.

Berger further pointed out that Max Verstappen has always remained very loyal to Red Bull ever since he joined the team mid-way through the 2016 season. Verstappen had even shown his long-term loyalty to the Austrian outfit even during their difficult phase. Now, with Christian Horner gone, it is highly likely that the 27-year-old would continue racing with the same team in Formula 1. Even the Dutchman’s long-time manager, Raymond Vermeulen, had assured that their focus lied solely on improving performance with Milton Keynes and not looking at other options yet.

[Both Toto and Max being in Sardinia] that was a coincidence. Max has always stressed that he wants to stay loyal to Red Bull, and I think he will do that even after Horner’s exit.

Gerhard Berger told F1-insider

Gerhard Berger pinpoints ‘most important thing’ for Red Bull over Max Verstappen

Red Bull dominated a majority of the ground-effect era but lost all its performance drastically in recent seasons. The team also went through some controversial situations as they suffered from a mass exodus over the past couple of years. Now, Milton Keynes seems to have found an all-time low as they can only go up from this point onward. As such, Gerhard Berger pinpoints the most important thing for the Austrian outfit, as they desperately hope to retain Max Verstappen in the squad.