Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff has further dampened rumors about a possible arrival of Max Verstappen at his team in a conversation with Austrian media. The Austrian says that Mercedes is focusing on a future with George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli.
In an interview with ORF, the national broadcaster in Austria, Wolff states that “the direction is that we want to continue with George and Kimi, that is our top priority.” Neither Russell nor Antonelli, the current driver duo, have a contract for 2026 yet.
Mercedes has been in talks with Verstappen, also because the four-time world champion, according to Wolff, “is not someone to overlook.” However, an imminent transfer does not seem to be on the cards for the time being. Wolff: “I don’t think there will be any big surprises.”
According to the team boss, Russell and Antonelli are aware of the state of affairs. “It’s not just about the team making a decision. The drivers also need to know where they stand. We have always tried to adhere to that rule and we will do so again now.”
‘Coincidentally on vacation in the same area’
Wolff briefly addressed the huge stream of rumors that started in recent weeks, because Verstappen and he were both with their yachts in the waters around Sardinia, Italy. There was wild speculation online about a meeting, but there was no evidence. However, photoshopped photos with Wolff and Verstappen, data about the yachts and flight movements of Verstappen’s private jet were eagerly shared.
“It’s new that people make photo collages, with airplanes,” Wolff responded. “The fact that you are vacationing near each other does not mean cooperation in Formula 1. We have always had a good relationship. And coincidentally, we also spend our vacation in the same area”