It’s a cliche, but no less true for being oft-repeated, that a picture is worth a thousand words. So, it was entirely natural that images of Mercedes Formula 1 boss Toto Wolff and Max Verstappen’s father engaged in a cosy chat in the Canadian Grand Prix paddock would go viral on social media and stoke much speculation about what the agenda might be.
Red Bull has had to fight to keep its star driver over the past two seasons, despite having him under a long contract, as Verstappen has become manifestly frustrated with the team’s inconsistently competitive machinery. It is understood that although Verstappen is contracted until the end of 2028, the performance clauses become more demanding of the team as each season passes.
