« We want to continue with George and Kimi », Wolff rules out Verstappen for 2026

After several weeks of intense speculation, Toto Wolff put an end to the rumors regarding a possible arrival of Max Verstappen at Mercedes in 2026, in an interview with the Austrian channel ORF. A stance that closes a saga fueled by the uncertain context at Red Bull and the absence of extended contracts on the Brackley side.

A persistent rumor, a clarified framework

Since the start of summer, speculations about a possible transfer of Max Verstappen to Mercedes have been a major part of discussions in Formula 1. The possibility of an early departure of the four-time world champion gained credibility when, in Austria, George Russell publicly mentioned the existence of talks between the Dutch driver and the German team.

The context at Red Bull seemed to favor this type of scenario. The Austrian team is going through a complicated period, marked by the departures of major technical figures and difficulties in effectively developing the RB21. Even though Verstappen is under contract until 2028, these circumstances have naturally revived questions about his medium-term intentions.

It is in this climate of persistent rumors that Toto Wolff has decided to make a decision. The Mercedes boss spoke out to clearly outline his team’s strategy: « The direction we want to take is to continue with George and Kimi. It is our top priority. Everyone is informed. There will be no big surprises », he stated unambiguously in his video interview with ORF.

Russell-Antonelli, the choice of stability

The absence of contracts beyond 2025 for George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli had maintained uncertainty about their future at Mercedes. This uncertainty had also contributed to some observers speculating about an opening for Max Verstappen.

But for Wolff, clarity with his drivers remains a fundamental principle: « It’s not just about the team making a decision. The drivers also need to know where they stand. We have always tried to stick to this rule. And we will still do so now », he stated.

Mercedes takes a broad approach in its strategy and wants to tackle the 2026 transition with a duo that is both experienced and forward-looking. Russell, now well-established in the team, embodies continuity. Antonelli, coming from Mercedes’ young talent program, represents the future.

Despite the fact that the team is focusing on its current drivers, Toto Wolff has not ignored the interest generated by Max Verstappen: “One cannot overlook someone like Max and the projects he has for the future. We did, but I don’t think there will be major surprises,” he said. However, his remarks leave the door open for a potential rapprochement beyond 2026.

A holiday coincidence… overinterpreted

The rumor had taken a lighter turn, but was no less discussed, during the break preceding the Belgian Grand Prix. Speculations were first reignited by former driver Ralf Schumacher, who had suggested that Verstappen and Wolff were in Sardinia, their respective yachts being moored on the island at the same time.

The hypothesis gained traction the next day when enthusiasts tracking private jet movements noted that the Dutchman’s jet had landed there, where Wolff was already present. A series of events, likely coincidental, but enough to fuel the idea of a secret meeting on the sidelines of the paddock.

Social media quickly seized on the story, and photo montages, including one showing Wolff boarding Verstappen’s private jet, circulated rapidly. These images, although obviously edited, were widely shared, fueling the rumor.

In response to this digital commotion, Wolff initially reacted with humor, stating: “It is new that people are making photo collages with planes. We had never seen this before,” before defusing the rumors in a more serious tone, adding: “Just because we are vacationing near each other doesn’t mean we are going to work together in Formula 1. We have always gotten along well. It just so happens that we are vacationing in the same region.”

A long-term strategic decision

This clarification comes at an important time for Mercedes, which is gradually regaining its competitiveness after several years in Red Bull’s shadow. The German team seems to prioritize stability rather than disrupting a still fragile balance, especially in light of the major regulatory changes in 2026.

These new rules will include a new generation of hybrid engines and substantial aerodynamic modifications. In this context of technical uncertainty, betting on continuity with an already experienced duo seems like a prudent strategy.

For Verstappen, the temporary closing of the Mercedes door reduces his short-term options. His contract with Red Bull, valid until 2028, is said to include several exit clauses. According to ORF, one of them would have allowed an early departure if the Dutch driver was not in the top 3 of the championship by mid-season. However, at the end of the Belgian Grand Prix, he was in third place, making this option inoperative, at least for 2025.

The four-time world champion will therefore either have to honor his commitment or explore other avenues when new contractual opportunities arise. The evolution of Red Bull’s competitiveness, particularly with the development of their in-house power units, will be crucial in his future decisions.