Toto Wolff puts end to Verstappen-to-Mercedes rumours

Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff has played down fresh speculation linking Max Verstappen to a future seat at Brackley, following viral photos of the pair holidaying in Sardinia.

Speaking to Austrian broadcaster ORF ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix, Wolff laughed off the online theories triggered by the sightings.

“What’s new is that people are making photo collages with airplanes. We’ve never had that before,” he smiled. “Just because you vacation near each other doesn’t mean you’ll work together in Formula 1. We’ve always gotten along well. It just so happens that we also vacation in similar areas.”

Despite persistent rumours that Verstappen could depart Red Bull before the sacking of Christian Horner, Wolff suggested that Mercedes is now not preparing for major driver changes in the near term.

“I don’t think there will be any major surprises,” he said. While reiterating his admiration for Verstappen, Wolff made clear that the team’s current duo remains the priority moving into 2026.

“The direction is that we want to continue with George and Kimi. That’s our top priority,” he said. “Everyone is up to date.” According to ORF, Mercedes plans to confirm its 2026 driver lineup imminently, with a final decision expected at Spa.

“It’s not just about the team making a decision,” Wolff added. “The drivers also need to know where they stand. We’ve always tried to adhere to this rule, and we’ll do so again this time.”

As for Verstappen’s widely reported exit clause, ORF claims it has now expired. The clause reportedly allowed him to leave Red Bull mid-contract in 2025, but only if he was outside the top three in the standings by mid-season. Currently sitting third, that window has closed, at least for this year.