“Would Max and Lewis Have Functioned?”: Toto Wolff Issues 2 Word Response to Settle Million Dollar Debate Involving Verstappen & Hamilton

In the circus of F1, the silly season always brings a lot of excitement around the paddock. However, it always leaves one side disappointed as not everyone wins in this game of snatch and grab, even teams like Mercedes. The Silver Arrows have had an incredible driver lineup even since its modern-day F1 return. There was also a chance for them to make an incredible duo back in the day with Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen. Although, would it be a functional team? Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has an answer.

Hamilton and Verstappen are arguably one of the most talented drivers on the grid, if not the history of the sport. The two are often pitted against each other as well. Some might have their preference but the topic always sparks a debate. Moreover, would they have achieved these heights if they were on the same team? According to the Mercedes boss, as quoted by ESPN, it would have not.

Toto stated, “I spoke to Jos and Huub Rothengatter [Jos Verstappen’s manager during his F1 career] when they came to my office in Brackley and that must have been when Max was in karting or the end of his karting days [in 2013] just before Formula 3 [in 2014].”

Following these preliminary talks, Wolff & Mercedes were in two minds over Max. Considering they had Nico Rosberg besides Hamilton, it was always going to be a tough call. Toto further mentioned how the saga concluded. He said, “And then we spoke again when Max and Jos visited me in my house in Vienna. Do I regret missing out on Max? Certainly. But it wasn’t an option back in the day.”

He then answered the burning question with a 2-word response.“Would Max and Lewis have functioned? Maybe not.”

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Although everyone revisits their decisions from the past. Did Toto Wolff as well?

Did Toto Wolff try his luck on Max Verstappen again to pair him with Lewis Hamilton?

The simple answer is no. The two drivers are of extreme caliber and alphas of their teams. We also believe Mercedes wouldn’t have wanted a repeat of the Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg saga. So the Austrian stayed away from his intrusive thoughts.

“After that, we always had friendly contact but never discussing driving,” he said. In fact, he also revealed there was uncertainty around Verstappen and his ability to become a world champion. “Back in the day I think there wasn’t huge hype around Max,” Toto said. “Was it clear that Max would step into these shoes? It wasn’t clear back then.”

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The duo would’ve already given us some mouthwatering incidents on the track. They surely would’ve been dampened if they were teammates. So let’s agree with the old saying which says everything happens for a reason.