With speculation swirling once again around Max Verstappen’s future, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has stepped in to shut it down—firmly.
Despite Red Bull’s fading dominance and the looming shift in regulations for 2026, Wolff made it clear: Verstappen is not part of Mercedes’ plans.
Mercedes Eyes Stability Over Star Power
Last year, Wolff made a strong attempt to lure the reigning four-time world champion away from Red Bull. But with George Russell stepping up as team leader and rising star Kimi Antonelli joining the lineup, Mercedes appears committed to their current duo.
“He [Russell] has taken over the role of the senior driver from Lewis perfectly,” Wolff said, praising the Brit’s leadership in the post-Hamilton era. As for Antonelli, who is still finding his feet in F1, Wolff defended the rookie’s pace.
“It would be strange if he already had George’s pace. That would mean George might not be at Max’s level, and I believe he is. That is why it takes Kimi some time.”
No Talks with Verstappen
Amid rumors of fresh discussions with Verstappen’s camp for 2026, Wolff was unequivocal.
“There have been no conversations at all with Max or his management,” he stated. “With George and Kimi, there’s no reason to question our future lineup.”
Wolff also indicated that contract talks with Russell would resume during the European leg of the season, reiterating there’s no rush or tension around the team’s driver strategy.
“We have this summer window. No reason to challenge or question anything as it is now,” he added.
Expert Opinion: Why Change What’s Working?
Dutch F1 commentator Olav Mol supports Wolff’s approach, telling Ziggo Sport that Mercedes’ current trajectory is solid.
“I think Toto has been positively surprised by how things are going,” Mol said. “Kimi is performing above average and George is doing well. He thinks, ‘Why stir the pot when things are stable?’”
Flirting Days Are Over
Addressing the lingering Verstappen speculation, Wolff put it poetically:
“I always say that I don’t flirt in the street when I’m happy in a relationship.”
He concluded, “I’m super happy with the lineup we have – I couldn’t wish for anything better. Max is at Red Bull, and at Mercedes, we’re continuing our journey.”
Meanwhile: Aston Martin’s $100M Temptation
Although Mercedes is out of the Verstappen race, Aston Martin is reportedly willing to throw a staggering $100 million per year at the Dutchman. Whether that offer will sway him remains to be seen—but for now, it’s clear he’s not heading to Mercedes.
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