Wolff secures Russell’s future at Mercedes after ruling out Verstappen

Toto Wolff Confirms George Russell’s Continuity and Analyzes Mercedes’ Future

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has confirmed that George Russell will remain with the team, following a period of speculation about the possible signing of Max Verstappen. Wolff expressed that, although he considered the possibility of talking to Verstappen, he is now satisfied with securing Russell’s future at Mercedes. Verstappen confirmed his stay at Red Bull, ending rumors of a possible move to Mercedes for the 2026 season. Mercedes has not hidden its interest in the world champion, which raised doubts about the continuity of Russell, whose contract ends at the end of this season.

I’ve always said that I’m happy with my team, with Russell and Kimi Antonelli, but suddenly Max’s future became uncertain, so we also talked to him. But I was always very clear with George: 90% of the time he would stay with us, but I needed to talk to Verstappen too. Now the situation is clear, and everything can go back to normal.

Toto Wolff

Verstappen’s confirmation with Red Bull came after Christian Horner’s departure as team principal. Russell, for his part, has achieved his sixth podium of the season with a Mercedes that has shown inconsistencies. He currently leads the team alongside the young Italian driver Kimi Antonelli, following Lewis Hamilton’s departure to Ferrari. Hamilton, who won six of his seven world championships with Mercedes under Wolff’s direction, has had a difficult weekend with Ferrari. Wolff is confident that Hamilton will recover from his difficulties in his first season with the Italian team.

It’s a characteristic of the greats: if they know they haven’t lived up to expectations, they don’t blame the team, but look within themselves. Once this moment has passed, they will return with the same motivation as always.

Toto Wolff

Formula 1 will implement new regulations next season, with significant changes to the power units and aerodynamics, which will mark the end of the ground effect era, where Mercedes has struggled to compete with Red Bull and, this season, with McLaren. Wolff is optimistic about his team’s performance in the upcoming season and expects a title battle with Hamilton and Ferrari.

Seeing Ferrari against Mercedes would be fantastic. I have no doubt that this duel will happen, next year or in the future. We will experience it and it will be fantastic.

Toto Wolff