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

Toto Wolff, Mercedes team principal, revealed that he considered the possibility of signing Max Verstappen, but is now focused on securing George Russell’s future with the team. Verstappen confirmed his stay at Red Bull, ruling out any move to Mercedes for the 2026 season, which put an end to speculation about his possible switch. Mercedes did not hide its interest in the four-time 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 as well. Now the situation is clear and everything can go back to normal.

Toto Wolff

Verstappen had a clause in his contract with Red Bull that can no longer be activated. Russell, who achieved his sixth podium of the season at Hungaroring, has stood out with an inconsistent Mercedes and leads the team alongside the 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 and qualified himself as “useless” after qualifying. Wolff is convinced that Hamilton will recover from his difficulties in his first season with Ferrari.

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. Wolff is optimistic about his team’s performance and expressed his desire 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