Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has publicly stated that Max Verstappen made every other driver look foolish during the Italian Grand Prix held at Monza. Wolff’s remarks came after Verstappen secured his third victory of the 2025 season at this iconic low-downforce circuit, demonstrating clear superiority over his rivals. Verstappen’s dominance was highlighted by his rapid adaptation and performance behind the wheel of the RB21, which appeared to be the fastest car on the track.
The Austrian boss’s comments, delivered in multiple interviews, quickly gained attention and were notably endorsed by Verstappen’s mother, Sophie Kumpen, who liked an Instagram video featuring Wolff’s remarks. This gesture was met with enthusiasm by fans who saw it as an acknowledgment of Verstappen’s exceptional driving at the Italian GP.
Verstappen’s Victory and the Competition at Monza
At the Italian Grand Prix, Max Verstappen outpaced both McLaren drivers, Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris, who were expected to offer strong competition in Monza’s unique setting. The 27-year-old Dutch driver’s win was his third of the season and further confirmed his status as the reigning world champion with formidable speed and skill. The RB21’s performance on this low-downforce track, known for emphasizing engine power and aerodynamic efficiency, proved superior to all others.
Despite the high praise for Verstappen, other drivers on the grid struggled to match his pace. For example, Yuki Tsunoda, Verstappen’s teammate, faced difficulties during the race, finishing 13th after being involved in an incident with Liam Lawson from the sister Racing Bulls team, which hampered his chances of a better result.
Speculation Around Verstappen’s Future and Wolff’s Interest
Wolff’s admiration for Verstappen has sparked rumors about the Dutchman’s potential move to Mercedes in the coming years. Although Verstappen is under contract with Red Bull Racing for the 2026 season, discussions about a transition to the Silver Arrows beyond that remain open. The summer break saw Wolff and Verstappen socialize, alongside Susie Wolff and Kelly Piquet, intensifying speculation.
Current Mercedes drivers George Russell and Kimi Antonelli have yet to finalize their contracts for the upcoming season, which could pave the way for Verstappen’s arrival in 2027 or later. Meanwhile, Wolff continues to express interest in bringing the four-time world champion to his team, underscoring the high regard in which Verstappen is held within the F1 community.
Red Bull’s Management Commends Verstappen’s Performance
Red Bull Racing’s team principal Laurent Mekies greeted Verstappen’s win at Monza with high praise, describing the driver’s weekend as perfect under his new leadership. Mekies was candid about his surprise at the team’s race pace advantage over McLaren, which was not anticipated given the competitive field.
“Max did just a perfection, perfect weekend. Such a strong weekend, it put us there. We were not anticipating to have a pace advantage in the race, but it turned out to be the case,” said Mekies, via Formula1’s official website.
“We were expecting a defence race and trying to work out scenarios on how to defend against these guys. And ultimately, we had a pace advantage today. Certainly, Max has done an amazing job and it’s a good sign,” he added.
Mekies’ comments highlight the exceptional nature of Verstappen’s performance and the team’s confidence in his ability to deliver results even when not initially favored to have the edge in race pace.
Implications for the 2025 Season and F1’s Competitive Landscape
Max Verstappen’s showing at the Italian GP reinforces his dominance in the early part of the 2025 Formula 1 season, as well as the capabilities of Red Bull Racing’s RB21 on demanding circuits. Toto Wolff’s acknowledgment of Verstappen’s superiority and the discussions about the driver’s future suggest exciting dynamics unfolding within the sport.
As other teams scramble to keep up, Mercedes remains attentive to potential changes in their driver lineup, which could influence the championship battles ahead. Verstappen’s performance at Monza exemplifies why he is considered the benchmark for excellence in the current F1 grid and hints at ongoing rivalries and shifts as the season progresses.
