Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has firmly quashed renewed speculation that he is seeking to sign Max Verstappen for 2026.
With Red Bull's earlier dominance waning, some speculate that Mercedes, known for starting new regulatory periods with a strong engine, could be an ideal destination for the quadruple world champion.
Red Bull, meanwhile, is developing its own 2026 power unit in collaboration with Ford. "Mercedes has already declared itself the favourite," Red Bull advisor Dr Helmut Marko told Kleine Zeitung. "There won't be much difference with the internal combustion engine—the big factor is the battery. It's all about the software, and it's possible for someone to be way ahead in this area," he acknowledged.
Last year, Wolff actively pursued Verstappen, but he now champions his protégé Kimi Antonelli while George Russell continues to excel. "He has taken over the role of the senior driver from Lewis (Hamilton) perfectly," Wolff said, also defending 18-year-old Antonelli, who has consistently lagged behind Russell.
"It would be strange if he already had George's pace, because that would have meant that George might not be at Max (Verstappen)'s level, and I believe he is. That is why it takes Kimi some time."
Wolff categorically denied any recent discussions with Verstappen or his management about 2026. "At the moment, where it is with George and Kimi, there's no doubt to question that set up for the future," he said.
Reports suggest Wolff has privately reassured Russell about his upcoming contract negotiations. "We will pick those talks up once we're in the European season," Wolff confirmed. "There's no stress. We have this summer window. We have no reason to challenge or question anything as it is now."
Dutch commentator Olav Mol believes Wolff's satisfaction with his current lineup is genuine. "I think Toto has been positively surprised by how things are going," he told Ziggo Sport.
"Kimi Antonelli is performing above average and George is doing well. So I think he is quite satisfied, and he thinks 'I have no trouble now, I'm not changing that'."
Wolff echoed this sentiment, stating, "I always say that I don't flirt in the street when I'm happy in a relationship. I am super happy with the lineup we have—I couldn't wish for anything better. Max is at Red Bull and at Mercedes we are continuing our journey."
