P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Fake images of Toto Wolff and Max Verstappen recently triggered a frenzy. Here’s the real status of their talks about whether Verstappen will move to Mercedes
Speculation was rampant about Max Verstappen potentially moving to Mercedes during the break between Formula 1’s British and Belgian Grands Prix, when social media buzzed with rumors of a meeting between Verstappen and Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff in Sardinia.
The frenzy started when location data showed the yachts of Wolff and Verstappen docked in different spots on the Italian island, sparking quick rumors.
Images circulated on social media platforms, suggesting a meeting between the two had taken place to prepare for a deal for 2026, but the photos turned out to be fake.
Further examination of the images revealed inconsistencies, such as Verstappen wearing an F1 pass and being accompanied by individuals like Jerome D’Ambrosio from Ferrari, which raised suspicions.
The origins of the images traced back to a YouTube video of Wolff leaving the 2022 Dutch Grand Prix with D’Ambrosio, leading to the discovery that the person presented as Verstappen was actually Paul di Resta with a photoshopped head.
Wolff clarified that no meeting occurred, underscoring that F1 personalities vacationing in the same place doesn’t imply collaboration. Verstappen, unaware of the rumors while on holiday, brushed them off, emphasizing the likelihood of people coincidentally being on the same island.
Although Verstappen didn’t meet with Wolff, ongoing discussions reportedly continue between Verstappen’s manager Raymond Vermeulen and Wolff, keeping potential options open for the future.
