Wolff Confirms Interest in Verstappen: Future at Mercedes?

Mercedes Explores Possible Verstappen Signing, but Rules Out Impact on Russell Negotiations

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has confirmed that the team is considering the possibility of signing Max Verstappen in the future, although he assured that this does not affect the ongoing contract talks with George Russell for the 2026 season. Speculation about Verstappen leaving Red Bull for Mercedes intensified after Russell mentioned that his negotiations were being delayed, suggesting that the team was also interested in the four-time world champion. Russell, whose contract with Mercedes ends this year, and Andrea Kimi Antonelli, 18 years old and with a long-term contract, are part of the team’s plans. Verstappen, on the other hand, has a contract with Red Bull until 2028. However, Red Bull’s motorsport advisor, Helmut Marko, has spoken openly about performance-based clauses that could allow the 27-year-old driver to leave the team before that date.

“Firstly, there is no delay in George’s contractual situation because it has been quite clear for a long time what our deadlines were,” Wolff told Sky Sports. “We have known each other for a long time, so there is no such thing as a delay.”
Toto Wolff

Wolff added that Russell was aware of Mercedes’ position regarding Verstappen. Before these comments, Wolff dedicated most of Friday’s press conference at the Austrian Grand Prix to dodging questions about the possible incorporation of Verstappen. When Wolff was asked if there was a deadline to sign Verstappen, he replied that their “conversations” were not at that stage. In a press conference on Thursday, Verstappen avoided giving a direct answer about where he would race in 2026, further fueling speculation about his future. When Wolff was asked what Russell needed to do to get a contract extension, he replied: “Nothing. He has been part of our program for about 10 years. He has always met the expectations we have set. And he continues to do so.” Regarding the possibility of Russell and Verstappen forming a duo in the future, Wolff commented: “Well, I can imagine any lineup. I’ve had Rosberg and Hamilton fighting for a world championship, so everything else after that is easy.”