Toto Wolff Reveals Max Verstappen Promise He Made To Lewis Hamilton In New Season Of Drive To Survive 3l1l48

Toto Wolff promised Lewis Hamilton he would not pursue a move for Max Verstappen it has been revealed in Drive to Survive season seven.

The popular Netflix series returns on Friday with 10 episodes of behind-the-scenes action from last year – just one week ahead of the new 2025 season.

Verstappen and Hamilton famously went toe-to-toe for the championship in the 2021 season.

Hamilton looked destined to win a record eighth drivers’ championship before a controversial late safety car allowed Verstappen to the Brit for the win and the title at the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

The 40-year-old told Sky Sports in 2023 that he would “100 per-cent” be open to partnering Verstappen – but claimed the Red Bull driver didn’t want to be his teammate.

However, new claims from Wolff in Drive to Survive appears to suggest that Hamilton did not want Verstappen to be his teammate during his time at Mercedes.

"I promised Lewis not to talk to him [Verstappen] " 👀

Toto Wolff on trying to sign Max Verstappen when Lewis Hamilton announced his move to Ferrari 📝🏎️

Formula 1: Drive to Survive Season 7 launches 7th March 📺 pic.twitter.com/UBmeIJDSPv

— Sky Sports F1 (@SkySportsF1) March 6, 2025

Toto Wolff’s Promise To Lewis Hamilton Over Max Verstappen 724z47

During the new Drive to Survive season, Toto Wolff is seen discussing with his wife Susie about who to sign following Lewis Hamilton’s announced departure to Ferrari – with Max Verstappen’s name thrown into the mix.

After running through several names, Verstappen is brought up. It is at that point where Wolff reveals that he promised Hamilton that he wouldn’t look to bring in Verstappen as his teammate.

Speaking to Susie at the balcony of their home in Monaco, Toto said: “So Carlos (Sainz) is somebody to look at. He’s had some really good performances.

“Fernando (Alonso), I mean race pace, racecraft is still very good.”

Susie replies that Alonso would be an ‘interim option‘ before asking whether Verstappen would be an option.

Toto immediately responds: “I think he is. But, if you win all the races in a season, I think he is.

“I haven’t spoken to him because I promised Lewis I wouldn’t talk to him but I will have the conversation now.”

Toto Wolff as promised in the Drive to Survive clip did have talks with Max Verstappen over replacing Lewis Hamilton.

However, a move didn’t materialise and Mercedes ultimately opted to go with rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli.

Drive To Survive Release Date And Episode Guide 4q3g5r

Drive to Survive season seven premieres on Netflix on Friday, March 7.

All 10 episodes will be available to watch straight away, but you must have a Netflix subscription.

Below is a guide on what subjects each of the 10 episodes will cover.

• Episode 1 (“Business as Usual”): Covers Lewis Hamilton’s final season with Mercedes and the off-track controversy surrounding Red Bull’s Christian Horner.
• Episode 2 (“Frenemies”): Focuses on the rivalry between friends Lando Norris and Max Verstappen.
• Episode 3 (“Looking Out for Number 1”): Highlights Mercedes’ search for Lewis Hamilton’s replacement for the 2025 season and whether Toto Wolff felt George Russell is ready to lead the team.
• Episode 4 (“Carlos Signs”): Covers Carlos Sainz after losing his Ferrari seat to Lewis Hamilton and his decision on who to drive for in 2025.
• Episode 5 (“Le Curse of Leclerc”): Looks at Charles Leclerc’s past struggles at the Monaco Grand Prix.
• Episode 6 (“Wheels of Fortune”): Covers McLaren’s season and controversial team decisions.
• Episode 7 (“In the Heat of the Night”): Daniel Ricciardo’s final race at the Singapore Grand Prix.
• Episode 8 (“Elbows Out”): Covers the Red Bull team and in particular Sergio Perez, with speculation over his future.
• Episode 9 (“Under New Management”): How Haas adapted under new leadership after replacing Guenther Steiner and the return of Flavio Briatore to Alpine.
• Episode 10 (“End Game”): Highlights the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and the battle for the constructors’ championship between McLaren and Ferrari.