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

Wolff Secures Russell’s Future After Conversations with Verstappen

Toto Wolff, Mercedes team principal, 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 before the Hungarian Grand Prix, ending speculation about a possible move to Mercedes for the 2026 season. Mercedes didn’t hide its interest in the four-time world champion, which raised doubts about Russell’s future, whose contract ends at the end of this season. Wolff admitted that the possible availability of Verstappen, 27 years old, forced to consider other options.

I always said that I am 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. The confirmation of his continuity came 23 days after Christian Horner discovered that he had been removed as director and CEO of Red Bull. Russell achieved his sixth podium of the season at Hungaroring and has stood out in a Mercedes car with inconsistent performance, in addition to assuming the leadership of the team alongside the young Italian rookie Antonelli, after Lewis Hamilton’s departure to Ferrari. Hamilton, who won six of his seven world championships under Wolff’s direction at Mercedes, had a complicated weekend with Ferrari and qualified himself as “useless” after qualifying. The 40-year-old driver said Ferrari should change its driver, but Wolff is convinced he will recover from his difficulties in his first season with the Italian team.

It is a characteristic of the great: 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, ending the ground effect era, where Mercedes has struggled to compete with Red Bull and, this season, with McLaren. Wolff is optimistic that his team will be stronger 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