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

Wolff Assures Russell’s Future and Analyzes Verstappen’s Situation

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has confirmed that George Russell will continue with the team, after analyzing the possible arrival of Max Verstappen. The situation cleared up after Verstappen confirmed his stay at Red Bull. Verstappen, who recently secured his future with Red Bull, put an end to speculation about a possible move to Mercedes for the 2026 season. Wolff admitted that the possibility of signing Verstappen, 27 years old, was considered.

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 of staying at Red Bull came after speculation about his departure. Russell, who achieved his sixth podium of the season at Hungaroring, has stood out with an inconsistent-performing Mercedes car. Furthermore, he has taken on a leadership role in the team alongside the 18-year-old Italian rookie, Kimi Antonelli, following Lewis Hamilton’s departure to Ferrari. Hamilton, who won six of his seven world championships with Wolff at Mercedes, had a complicated weekend with Ferrari, going so far as to call himself “useless” after qualifying. Wolff remains optimistic about Hamilton’s ability to 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 passes, they will return with the same motivation as always.

Toto Wolff

Formula 1 is preparing for 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 expects his team to be stronger next season and expressed his enthusiasm for competing 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