Max Verstappen seen on Toto Wolff's yacht in transfer twist as new photos released

Max Verstappen was seen visiting Toto Wolff, the Mercedes boss, on his luxury yacht this week. The pair have been holidaying off the coast of Sardinia during the Formula One summer break. This isn't the first time rumours have circulated about secret meetings between the two while away from the race track.

Just a few weeks ago, social media was abuzz with photos allegedly showing Wolff boarding Verstappen's private plane, but it soon became apparent that these images were doctored. However, fresh photos have surfaced showing the duo together on a plush yacht. One image captures Verstappen, shirtless and clad in a white towel with dark stripes, standing next to Wolff dressed fully in white, as they engage in a jovial conversation.

It is believed that these photos are authentic and confirm that Verstappen and Wolff did indeed meet while vacationing near the Mediterranean island. Charles Leclerc, the Ferrari driver, has also been spending time in the vicinity, although he hasn't been photographed with Verstappen or Wolff.

This rendezvous comes after months of speculation that Verstappen might leave his Red Bull team to join Wolff's Mercedes squad. The Austrian has long admired the Dutchman, having unsuccessfully attempted to sign him as a promising teenager before he rose to become a four-time F1 champion.

Verstappen is contracted with Red Bull until 2028, although it's widely known that his agreement includes performance clauses which could allow him to exit early if not fulfilled. One such clause was in effect this year but expired at the start of the break and wasn't activated.

Ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix earlier this month, Verstappen confirmed he would remain with Red Bull for the 2026 season. However, this confirmation only came after he had already secured enough points to ensure he couldn't fall below third place in the championship before the summer break.

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It's been speculated that he would have needed to be fourth or lower in the standings for that clause to be activated. Regardless, it's understood that the 27-year-old wasn't seriously contemplating leaving Red Bull this year, choosing instead to wait and see how the power dynamics on the grid evolve next year when new engine and aerodynamic design regulations are introduced.

In the meantime, while neither currently has a Mercedes contract for 2026, the team is expected to maintain its current line-up of team leader George Russell and rookie sensation Kimi Antonelli. It will be intriguing to see what length of contract is agreed with both of them, as both are pushing for long-term extensions, but Mercedes want to keep their options open in case Verstappen becomes available next year.

The Dutch racing driver has made it clear that he doesn't intend to remain in F1 as long as his predecessors, and is keen to spend as much time as possible in the fastest car available. Despite Red Bull's dip in competitiveness, he has still managed to secure two Grand Prix victories this year. However, should Red Bull fall completely out of contention for wins next year, he may be tempted to look elsewhere.