Toto Wolff Seeks to Define Mercedes’ Lineup for 2026 Before the Summer Break
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff expressed his desire to have the decision on his drivers for the 2026 season defined before the Formula 1 summer break. This statement comes at a time of uncertainty surrounding George Russell’s continuity in the team.
The contract of the two-time Grand Prix winner has not yet been extended beyond this year.
Wolff confirmed his interest in signing four-time world champion Max Verstappen, who has a contract with Red Bull until 2028.
It is rumored that Verstappen could activate an exit clause in his contract if he is below fourth place in the championship after the Hungarian Grand Prix, the last race before the break.El jefe de Mercedes, Toto Wolff, quiere resolver rápidamente la decisión sobre sus pilotos para 2026.Wolff has assured that his interest in Verstappen does not affect the conversations with Russell. After the Austrian Grand Prix, Wolff stated that he hopes to resolve Russell’s situation during the four-week break.
“You need to be respectful of everyone involved in this process. The organization, the drivers, everyone. You need to understand the path forward. And I don’t want to be sadistic by leaving a driver waiting or without making decisions when they need to be made. So I think we’re in a good moment. We are in June. Obviously, there are many discussions. I have been open and transparent. And at some point in the coming months, until the summer break, we need to know. Until the summer break, everything will be done,” said Wolff.
When asked if this means the beginning or the end of the break, Wolff replied: “Maybe in the middle”.
Red Bull boss Christian Horner has called speculation about Mercedes and Verstappen “a lot of noise.” Last weekend in Austria, he commented: “I think Max is quite annoyed by it.”
Verstappen has never answered questions about the possibility of joining Mercedes. After winning the Canadian Grand Prix earlier this month, Russell stated that he has not spoken to any other team, as his main focus is to compete for Mercedes.
Russell’s teammate, Andrea Kimi Antonelli, joined this year, although the length of his contract has never been made public.
