Wolff blown away by Verstappen: 'That's why he's a four-time world champion'

14:56, 10 Nov

byNicole Mulder

After the Brazilian Grand Prix, Toto Wolff had nothing but admiration for Max Verstappen. The Mercedes team boss therefore refuses to write off the Dutchman in the title fight.

“Never discount Max. That's the reason why he's a four-time world champion”

- Toto Wolff

Verstappen put in another impressive charge through the field, this time from the pit lane to the podium, and according to Wolff that proves why he is a four-time world champion.

“It’s quite interesting, the big step that hey made. They changed the floor, they went to the oldest. Fresh engine obviously always helps, like we had with Lewis back in the days. But never discount Max, even if he starts from last.”

The Austrian referred to Verstappen’s performance in the rain last year, but emphasized that his race this time might have been even more impressive: “A few years ago it was a wet race, so you kind of get your head around it, but that was a dry race. That's the reason why he's a four-time world champion.”

Max Verstappen fought a duel with Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli - Photo: Red Bull Content Pool

Wolff hopes for a finale in Abu Dhabi

On the title fight between Lando Norris, Oscar Piastri and Verstappen, Wolff says the tension toward the end of the season is palpable, even within the teams.

“I think how they (McLaren) handle it is very good. It’s very good — letting them race. I don’t see a situation where they take each other out. I think just let them race and avoid any contact. But the gap that Lando has now is very, very solid, though they can’t afford a DNF either, because then it swings in the other direction.”

According to Wolff, a showdown in the final race would be the best scenario: “Obviously, from a spectator standpoint, you would want to see that not going into the last race with equal points or similar points.”

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