Mercedes boss Toto Wolff stated that the team is indeed interested in signing Max Verstappen from Red Bull for the 2026 season and is considering the possibility of partnering him with George Russell.
After publicly pursuing Verstappen last year following the announcement of Lewis Hamilton`s move to Ferrari for 2025, Wolff had previously indicated that Mercedes` pursuit of the four-time world champion was at least paused.
When questioned on Friday about Russell`s remarks and the potential consideration of signing Verstappen to replace either Russell or his teammate Kimi Antonelli next year, Wolff commented, “I appreciate George`s statements and always support my drivers. He isn`t saying anything I wouldn`t want him to.”
“We maintain high transparency within the team regarding our actions and plans, a practice upheld since I took leadership. This is not the concern.”
“Currently, it`s necessary to investigate future possibilities, but this doesn`t alter my previous statements about George, Kimi, and the driver line-up that I am very satisfied with.”
Verstappen`s current contract with Red Bull runs until 2028, but it is believed to contain clauses that could allow for an earlier exit.
When pressed on whether a deadline would be set for Verstappen`s decision regarding a move to Mercedes, Wolff confirmed that “private discussions” were in progress.
Wolff remarked, “You make it sound as though we`ve been asking, `When would you like to join and what are your terms?` That`s not an accurate representation of the situation or process.”
“I prefer to keep these discussions confidential, rather than making them public.”
“We currently have two drivers who have been part of our program for a considerable time, drivers I am entirely pleased with, and who will be significant for the team`s future. Therefore, the situation is somewhat distinct.”
Wolff Open to Verstappen-Russell Pairing
Verstappen and Russell have had disagreements both during races and off-track in the last year, including a notable verbal exchange at the final race of the previous season in Abu Dhabi.
Most recently, at the Spanish Grand Prix this month in Barcelona, Verstappen received a penalty for causing an incident with Russell, after which they again exchanged sharp words.
Nevertheless, Wolff did not dismiss the idea of uniting the two competitors at Mercedes, suggesting it couldn`t be more challenging than handling the intense rivalry between Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg from 2013 to 2016.
Wolff stated, “I can envision any driver combination. Having managed Rosberg and Hamilton competing for a world championship, everything else seems straightforward in comparison.”
“There are advantages and disadvantages to having two drivers intensely competing against each other.”
“We have seen instances where such dynamics worked well, and others where they did not.”
Russell More Likely to be in Mercedes than Verstappen
In a follow-up interview shortly after his initial press conference remarks, Wolff downplayed the likelihood of Verstappen moving to Mercedes in 2026.
He indicated that Russell is more likely to remain with Mercedes in 2026, adding, “Our team policy is to be as transparent as possible. You can either keep things private or, as I`ve done for the past 12 years, be open about the situation.”
“These drivers are intelligent individuals. They communicate among themselves, and I am always direct and open about these matters.”
“It`s not accurate to say `we are going to sign Max.` That possibility is currently too distant to be considered realistic. With George, we discuss all aspects.”
Wolff countered Russell`s suggestion that his contract negotiations were facing “delays,” asserting that both the team and driver are adhering to a previously agreed-upon timeline.
He further commented, “There is no delay regarding George`s contract discussions, as our intended timeline has been clear for a considerable period.”
“We have a long-standing relationship, so there isn`t any concept of delay.”
“As the head of a team representing the world`s premier automotive brand, it is natural to explore the future plans of a four-time world champion, potentially far into the future. This process does not impact the signing of George`s contract.”
