Toto Wolff, Mercedes team principal, revealed that he considered the possibility of bringing Max Verstappen into his team, but is now focused on securing George Russell’s future with the team.
Verstappen confirmed that he will stay at Red Bull until 2026, ending speculation about a possible move to Mercedes.
Mercedes had expressed its interest in signing the four-time world champion, which raised doubts about the continuity of Russell, whose contract ends 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 spoke with him.
Toto WolffWolff explained that the possibility of having Verstappen forced him to explore different scenarios, but he always maintained clear communication with Russell.
Mercedes’ boss affirmed that, after Verstappen’s decision to stay at Red Bull, everything is back to normal in the team.Toto Wolff declaró que “todo vuelve a la normalidad” en Mercedes.Verstappen had a clause in his contract with Red Bull that can no longer be activated. The confirmation of his stay came shortly after the change in Red Bull’s management became known.
Russell achieved his sixth podium of the season at Hungaroring and has had an outstanding performance in a Mercedes car with ups and downs. In addition, he has taken on 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 complicated weekend with Ferrari and qualified himself as “useless” after qualifying.
Wolff is confident 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 inward. Once this moment passes, they will return with the same motivation as always.
Toto Wolff
Formula 1 will implement new regulations for the next season, with significant changes in the power units and aerodynamic rules that 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 performance next season and expects to compete with Hamilton and Ferrari for the title.
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.
