Wolff confirmed that no talks had taken place with Verstappen and made it clear that the Silver Arrows are focused on their current line-up and long-term strategy….reports Asian Lite News
As the 2025 Formula 1 season gathers momentum, one name continues to dominate the rumour mill — Max Verstappen. Speculation about the reigning world champion’s future has intensified amid Red Bull Racing’s shaky start to the season, with whispers linking the Dutchman to a possible move to rivals Mercedes. However, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has firmly quashed those rumours.
Speaking ahead of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in Jeddah, Wolff confirmed that no talks had taken place with Verstappen and made it clear that the Silver Arrows are focused on their current line-up and long-term strategy.
“We didn’t have any conversations,” Wolff told The Athletic. “At the moment, with George [Russell] and Kimi [Antonelli], there’s no reason to question that set-up for the future.”
The comments come at a time when Verstappen’s commitment to Red Bull is being questioned for the first time in years. Despite being under contract until the end of 2028, the 27-year-old has reportedly grown frustrated with the team’s inconsistent performance this season — most notably their unexpected struggles in Bahrain.
Red Bull’s senior advisor Helmut Marko recently stoked speculation by admitting, “the concern is great” regarding Verstappen’s long-term future with the team. However, team principal Christian Horner was quick to downplay such talk, telling Sky Sports, “Yeah, absolutely,” when asked if Verstappen would still be driving for Red Bull in the 2026 season opener in Australia.
Meanwhile, Mercedes is focusing on stability and the next generation of talent. George Russell has emerged as the team’s new frontman following Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari. The 26-year-old Briton has started the 2025 season strongly, collecting three podium finishes in the first four races and trailing Verstappen by just six points in the drivers’ standings.
Wolff had nothing but praise for Russell’s evolution into a team leader. “He’s in his prime, or at the beginning of it. He delivers, performs, and carries himself like a senior driver. He’s taken over that role from Lewis,” Wolff said.
While Russell’s current contract is set to expire at the end of 2025, both the driver and the team are in no rush to renegotiate. “We’ll pick those talks up in the European season. There’s no stress,” Wolff added.
Adding to Mercedes’ long-term vision is 18-year-old Kimi Antonelli, the highly rated Italian rookie touted as a future star. The team remains fully committed to developing Antonelli, who is already integrated into their future plans — further diminishing the chances of a Verstappen switch.
Echoing Wolff’s stance, Williams team principal James Vowles, who previously served as Mercedes’ head of strategy, also cast doubt on the wisdom of signing Verstappen.
“He comes with a lot of downsides as well,” Vowles said. “Mercedes has a great culture, and with Russell delivering and Antonelli coming up, I don’t think that’s the place for Max.”
While the paddock may continue to buzz with speculation, Mercedes has made its position clear — there is no space, or need, for Max Verstappen in their carefully curated vision for the future.
