Toto Wolff mentioned that he felt the need to converse with Max Verstappen regarding a potential transfer to Mercedes, yet he is now pleased to have ensured George Russell’s position with the squad.
Verstappen publicly confirmed for the first time that he would remain with Red Bull before last weekend’s Hungarian Grand Prix, effectively ending the rumors about a dramatic transfer to rival Mercedes ahead of the 2026 season.
Mercedes and Wolff have openly expressed their aspiration to acquire the four-time world champion, which intensified discussions surrounding Russell, whose contract expires at the conclusion of this season, and the possibility of losing his seat.
Team principal Wolff acknowledged that the potential for Verstappen, aged 27, to become available needed to be investigated.
“I have consistently stated my satisfaction with my team, including Russell and Kimi Antonelli, but suddenly Max’s future was in doubt, so we also reached out to him,” Wolff shared with Gazzetta dello Sport.
“However, I have always been very transparent with George: there was a 90% likelihood he would remain with us, but I felt it necessary to discuss matters with Verstappen as well. Now that the situation is clarified, we can return to our usual dynamics.”
Verstappen had a clause in his Red Bull contract that can no longer be used. It was confirmed that he would remain with the team 23 days after Christian Horner learned of his dismissal as team principal and CEO of Red Bull.
Russell celebrated his sixth podium finish of the season at the Hungaroring, demonstrating his skills in a Mercedes car that has faced inconsistencies. He has also taken on a leadership role alongside the 18-year-old rookie Antonelli, stepping in after Lewis Hamilton’s transfer to Ferrari.
Hamilton, who claimed six out of his seven world titles during his time under Wolff at Mercedes, faced another tough weekend with Scuderia Ferrari and referred to himself as “useless” following his qualifying performance.
The disheartened 40-year-old suggested that Ferrari should consider a driver change, but Wolff is confident Hamilton will recover from his initial challenges with the Prancing Horse.
“It’s a trait of great athletes: when they feel they haven’t performed well, they don’t blame their team, but instead reflect inwardly. After this phase passes, he will return with the same drive as always,” Wolff remarked.
Next season, Formula 1 will introduce a new set of regulations that will drastically alter power unit and aerodynamic specifications, marking the conclusion of the ground-effect era, during which Mercedes has had difficulty keeping pace with Red Bull and, this year, McLaren.
Wolff is hopeful that his team will show improvement next season and expressed enthusiasm for the possibility of a title rivalry with Hamilton and Ferrari.
“Watching Ferrari compete against Mercedes would be thrilling,” Wolff stated. “I have no doubt this competition will arise, whether next year or later on. We will witness it, and it will be remarkable.”
