Mercedes dismisses possibility of Max Verstappen signing, supports George Russell for the next ten years.
Toto Wolff has dismissed the possibility of acquiring Max Verstappen from Red Bull and stated that George Russell may remain with Mercedes for another ten years.
Wolff has consistently expressed admiration for Verstappen, and the four-time world champion’s difficult start to the season at Red Bull has once again sparked speculation regarding his future.
During a recent appearance on the Stay to Track podcast, 1996 world champion Damon Hill remarked that he believes Russell is “always temporary” at Mercedes, suggesting that winning the championship this year would not “ensure” the British driver’s future.
Hill’s perspective is informed by his own experience of being let go by Williams after securing the title. Russell, 28, currently leads the championship by four points over his 19-year-old teammate Kimi Antonelli after the first two races.
However, Wolff informed the Press Association prior to this weekend’s Japanese Grand Prix: “Someone mentioned that discussions regarding Max will eventually resurface. But no, there are no discussions about Max.”
“I could not be more satisfied with our two drivers. The age difference and how it aligns with our strategy means there are no discussions happening.”
“I have great respect for Damon. I have read his book and can relate to many aspects of his life. He is a world champion, and few can claim that.”
“But regarding that specific topic, I would not have expressed it in that manner because George has been with us since 2017, and there is no reason why that shouldn’t continue until 2037.”
“The Max to Mercedes situation is not on the table for now. The situation is entirely clear. We have solid contracts with both drivers.”
Mercedes has set the standard this season by effectively adapting to the new regulations, with both Russell and Antonelli each securing one victory.
Lewis Hamilton concluded his time with Mercedes at the end of 2024, hoping Ferrari would help him achieve his goal of a record eighth world title.
Although Hamilton has had a promising start to the new season, having secured his first Ferrari podium at the last race in China, it is likely that his former team, rather than his current one, will produce this year’s champion.
– Japanese Grand Prix 2026: Race start time, how to watch, full F1 schedule, predictions
– Japanese Grand Prix: Oscar Piastri sets pace in second practice as McLaren hits back at Mercedes
Will the 41-year-old regret leaving Mercedes?
“No, and we were joking about that,” Wolff responded. “He mentioned to me, ‘ooh, the car is quick’. We were also exchanging messages on WhatsApp. He asked, ‘are you guys heavy [on fuel]?’ and I replied, ‘we haven’t even started the engine yet!’
“The choices made were right for him and for us.”
“We spent 12 years together, which is the longest driver-team relationship that has existed. You go on vacation 12 times in a row with your best friend, and eventually, they will annoy you. It was a positive step for him to leave the team, to reinvent himself, and become an iconic Ferrari driver, which has likely elevated his status even further.”
“However, he will not lose his Mercedes DNA, as that was his most successful period. For us, it was beneficial to start a new project with George and Kimiβa complete Mercedes junior lineup with Kimi, at 18, stepping into the shoes of the GOAT.”
Wolff shared his private jet with Hamilton back to Monaco following the race in Shanghai two weeks ago.
Hamilton is currently in a new relationship with reality star Kim Kardashian, with whom he vacationed in Tokyo before this race, although it remains unclear if she will attend Sunday’s event.
Wolff added: “Aren’t we all seeking happiness and fulfillment? I see that positivity in him [Hamilton]. He is in a good place, and that brings me joy because he deserves to be happy.”
“He enjoys driving these cars. It challenges him, but at the same time, he is fast. Is he pursuing the eighth? Certainly. But it is more about enjoying what he is doing.”
Source: espn.com
