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

Toto Wolff Secures George Russell’s Future at Mercedes After Conversations with Max Verstappen

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff revealed that he explored the possibility of signing Max Verstappen, but is now satisfied with securing George Russell’s continuity in the team. Verstappen confirmed his stay at Red Bull, ending speculation about a possible move to Mercedes for the 2026 season. Mercedes had shown interest in the four-time world champion, which raised doubts about Russell’s position, 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.

Toto Wolff

Wolff admitted that the possible availability of Verstappen, 27 years old, required analysis. Russell, who achieved his sixth podium of the season at Hungaroring, has demonstrated a great performance with an inconsistent Mercedes car. In addition, he has taken on a leadership role alongside the young Italian rookie Antonelli, following Lewis Hamilton’s departure to Ferrari.

Verstappen had a clause in his contract with Red Bull that can no longer be activated. The confirmation of his permanence in the team came 23 days after Christian Horner discovered that he had been removed as director and CEO of Red Bull. Hamilton, who won six of his seven world championships with Wolff at Mercedes, had another difficult weekend for the Scuderia and qualified himself as “useless” after qualifying. Wolff is convinced 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 aerodynamic rules, which will end the ground effect era, where Mercedes has struggled to compete with Red Bull and, this season, with McLaren. Wolff is optimistic about strengthening his team for next season and admitted that he would love to compete in 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