The Formula 1 world is upside down after leaking images that suggest a meeting between Max Verstappen and Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff on Sardinia. On Friday, July 11, 2025, Verstappen’s private jet landed on the Italian island, while his yacht, appropriately called ‘Unleash the Lion’, was moored a few days before the coast of Sardinia. Coincidentally – or perhaps not – the hunt of Toto Wolff was also spotted in the same harbor, which immediately fueled the speculations about a secret meeting between the two. According to sources such as F1 insider and statements by former driver Ralf Schumacher, it seems that the two motorsport giants have spoken, possibly about a sensational switch from Verstappen to Mercedes in the near future.
The timing of this meeting is remarkable. Red Bull Racing, the team that Verstappen has been driving for since 2016, is in heavy weather. Earlier this week, team boss Christian Horner was immediately fired, a decision that shocked the Formula 1 world. Horner led the team to four world titles with Verstappen, but the recent sporty malaise and internal struggles have weakened the position of Red Bull. Verstappen, who is currently 69 points behind classification leader Oscar Piastri, openly expressed his frustrations about the performance of the RB21 car, which he labeled as “unmanageable”. With a contract that runs until 2028, but with escape clauses that could possibly be activated, the four -time world champion seems to consider his options.
The rumors about a switch to Mercedes are not new. For weeks, Verstappen has been associated with the Wolff team, which seems to be on the rise again after a few lean years. Toto Wolff himself has never hidden that he would like to have Verstappen on board. “I can imagine any line-up,” he said cryptically before the Grand Prix of Austria. The presence of both yachts in Sardinia, combined with Verstappen’s short visit to the island – he returned to Nice after just five hours – feeds the speculations that serious conversations have taken place. Ralf Schumacher, who works as an analyst for Sky Deutschland, predicted the meeting earlier this week and noticed: “It is no coincidence that their boats lie next to each other. I can imagine that they have drunk a cup of coffee.” His prediction now appears to be true, with images circulating on social media, including a tweet from @scuderiafemboy that links the two in Sardinia.
Yet there remains uncertainty. Mercedes officially denies that there was a planned meeting. A source within the team stated to the German newspaper Bild: “They didn’t even see each other.” Nevertheless, other sources, including F1Maximel.nl, point to the vicinity of the yachts and Verstappens as proof of a conscious meeting. The speculations are further fueled by the words of Nelson Piquet Jr., Verstappens brother -in -law, who accidentally revealed in a podcast that there are already conversations going on about a possible transfer. “Everyone knows they are talking,” he said, before he quickly switched to another subject.
There is a lot at stake for Verstappen. His loyalty to Red Bull, the team that supported him from an early age, is great, but his urge to win is even greater. With the radical rule changes for 2026 approaching, in which engines play a key role, Verstappen may consider a switch to a team that can offer him a competitive car. Mercedes, with their proven track record in motor development, seems like a logical choice. Nevertheless, insiders such as Schumacher warn that Verstappen will carefully weigh his options, partly because of the uncertainty about which teams will dominate in 2026.
The Formula 1 community holds its breath. Is this the start of a new chapter for Verstappen, or just a storm in a glass of water? The images of Sardinia have made at least one thing clear: the Silly Season is in full swing, and Max Verstappen is the center of attention. While fans and analysts speculate about his next step, one question remains unanswered: will the Dutchman secure his future at Red Bull, or will he opt for a daring jump to Mercedes? In the coming weeks will be crucial.
