No Negotiations with Max Verstappen, Says Toto Wolff

In a recent interview with Sky Sports F1, Mercedes Formula 1 boss Toto Wolff has confirmed that no negotiations have taken place between the team and Max Verstappen. The future of the four-time world champion is uncertain due to Red Bull’s competitive decline, but Wolff expressed his satisfaction with the current driver pairing at .

Past Attempts to Sign Verstappen Failed

Back in 2014, a 17-year-old Verstappen opted to join Red Bull instead of Mercedes, missing an opportunity for the Silver Arrows. Last summer, initial talks between both parties emerged when was searching for Lewis Hamilton’s replacement, but negotiations never progressed further.

The Silver Arrows eventually partnered George Russell with rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli for 2025, but Wolff hinted at a potential future collaboration between Mercedes and Verstappen. However, he emphasized that no conversations have taken place as of now.

George Russell’s Impressive Form

If Verstappen were to join Mercedes, it would likely be in the place of Russell, whose contract expires at the end of this year. But the three-time grand prix winner has seriously impressed in 2025, claiming three podiums across the opening four rounds and is currently fourth in the championship.

This form has reportedly led to him being set for a contract renewal, with Wolff praising Russell’s performance. “He’s doing a top job,” said Wolff. “He was a little bit always underrated because he’s such a stoic person…people talked about Lewis or talked about Max. Now you can see how he’s delivering. He’s performing to the maximum and he’s doing really great.

Andrea Kimi Antonelli’s Rookie Campaign

Antonelli has also impressed in his rookie campaign, sitting sixth in the championship, yet Wolff said it’s still a “learning” process for the 18-year-old. “It’s a trajectory,” Wolff added. “George’s level is very high and this is Formula 1, I always say to him [Antonelli], ‘you’d never been exposed to such a field of the best drivers in the world’.“So it would have been weird him coming in being on George’s pace because that would have meant George was not on the max level…George is.