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

Toto Wolff Confirms George Russell’s Continuity and Analyzes Mercedes’ Future in F1

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has confirmed that George Russell will remain with the team, clearing up any doubts about his future. Wolff also revealed that, although he considered the possibility of signing Max Verstappen, he is now focused on ensuring Russell’s success in the team. The news comes after Verstappen confirmed his stay at Red Bull, ending speculation about a possible move to Mercedes for the 2026 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 possibility of having Verstappen, 27 years old, needed to be explored. However, after the confirmation of Verstappen’s permanence at Red Bull, Wolff assured Russell of his place in the team.

Verstappen’s decision to stay at Red Bull came 23 days after Christian Horner was dismissed as team principal and CEO of Red Bull. Russell, who achieved his sixth podium of the season at the Hungaroring, has demonstrated a great performance with an inconsistent Mercedes car. In addition, he has assumed a leadership role alongside the young Italian driver Kimi Antonelli, following Lewis Hamilton’s departure to Ferrari. Hamilton, who won six of his seven world championships with Wolff at Mercedes, had a difficult weekend with Ferrari and described himself as “useless” after qualifying. Wolff, however, is confident that Hamilton will recover from his difficulties in his first season with the Scuderia.

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 a new set of regulations next season, with significant changes to the power units and aerodynamic rules, 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 improvement next season and admitted that he would love to compete in a title battle against 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