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

Wolff Secures Russell and Explores Options with Verstappen

In an unexpected turn, Toto Wolff, head of Mercedes, confirmed that he needed to talk with Max Verstappen about a possible incorporation into the team. However, he is now focused on securing George Russell’s continuity at Mercedes. Verstappen, recently confirmed his stay at Red Bull, ruling out any move to Mercedes for the 2026 season. This decision ended speculation about a possible change that would have generated a significant impact in the world of Formula 1. The Mercedes team, led by Wolff, did not hide its interest in signing the world champion. This raised doubts about Russell’s situation, whose contract ends at the end of this season.

I’ve always said that I’m satisfied with my team, with Russell and Kimi Antonelli, but suddenly Max’s future became uncertain, so we also spoke with him.

Toto Wolff

Wolff admitted that the possibility of having Verstappen, 27 years old, was something they had to consider. Despite this, he assured that he always maintained clear communication with Russell, indicating that they mostly counted on him, but the situation with Verstappen required evaluation. Now, with the situation resolved, Wolff expressed his satisfaction at being able to return to normal within the team.

Verstappen’s confirmation with Red Bull came shortly after the departure of Christian Horner as team principal and CEO of Red Bull was revealed. Meanwhile, Russell achieved his sixth podium of the season at the Hungarian Grand Prix, demonstrating his worth at the head of 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 Wolff at Mercedes, had a complicated weekend with Ferrari, going so far as to call himself “useless” after qualifying. Wolff, however, is confident that Hamilton will overcome these challenges 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 passes, they will return with the same motivation as always.

Toto Wolff

Formula 1 prepares for a new era with significant changes in regulations, including modifications to 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 future and expects an exciting title duel 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