MELBOURNE, Australia — Ahead of the Australian Grand Prix week, Mercedes F1 team principal Toto Wolff has addressed swirling rumors concerning an interest in Max Verstappen. Despite speculation, Wolff categorically dismissed any current plans to sign the reigning F1 world champion for the 2026 season.
Mercedes, having redefined their driver lineup with rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli joining George Russell, is on a mission to reinvigorate its recent performance slump. The team has clinched just five victories over the last three years, with their most recent successes in 2024.
Previously, Verstappen was linked to Mercedes in the hunt for a replacement for outgoing star Lewis Hamilton. However, Wolff asserts that securing an extended contract for Russell remains his focus.
“We made our stance clear last year, and Max was clear about his, too. Our priority is our current drivers, maximizing their potential,” Wolff stated during Thursday’s press conference in Melbourne. “I’m committed to my current team, and that won’t change this year. Securing George’s contract extension is my main focus, and we’ll finalize those details soon.”
Wolff’s driver preferences came under the spotlight coinciding with McLaren’s contractual extension with Australia’s Oscar Piastri, thus closing any potential gap in the 2027 driver market.
“We discussed the timing for renegotiations with Russell recently, and I hold true to my word,” Wolff explained. “The combination of these three drivers, including reserve driver Valtteri Bottas, is what I envision for Mercedes. We’re on track to confirm future plans by summer.”
Russell, having been a nurturing part of the Mercedes family since his promotion from Williams in 2022, remains intent on staying with the team.
“Our shared history and trust span years,” Russell remarked. “Our main goal is to restore Mercedes’ winning streak and capture championships. In F1, performance speaks volumes.”
Hamilton, meanwhile, has embarked on a new racing chapter with Ferrari. After a history-making career at Mercedes, the seven-time world champion is set to take the wheel for the Scuderia this season.
Hamilton’s transition to Ferrari follows extensive negotiations with Mercedes in 2023, where the prospect of a shorter tenure was on the table. Instead, a pivotal one-plus-one deal was signed in August, only for Hamilton to make a decisive move to Ferrari for 2025.
The veteran is embracing his journey as he prepares for his inaugural race with Ferrari.
“Viewing the sport from a fresh angle brings new excitement and challenges,” Hamilton observed. “This phase is the most thrilling of my life, and I’m eager to hit the track tomorrow.”
At 40, Hamilton approaches his craft with the zest of a rookie, boasting an impressive record of 105 wins and 104 poles.
“I’m revisiting the fundamentals,” Hamilton shared. “I’m fully committed, spending extensive time in the factory, and pushing my limits physically and mentally. It’s about pushing beyond former boundaries and extracting more from the opportunity.”
Hamilton’s revitalized enthusiasm marks an exciting chapter in his storied career.
