Rumours swirl over Max deal as Mercedes ready 2026 team
Spa-Francorchamps (Belgium)
Speculation over a move by Formula One world champion Max Verstappen from Red Bull to Mercedes for next season has hit overdrive with the Silver Arrows all but ready to announce their 2026 line-up.
'We as a team will know how we want to play it next year. When we announce it is not yet entirely certain,' Mercedes motorsport boss Toto Wolff told Austrian broadcaster ORF on Wednesday ahead of this weekend's Belgian Grand Prix.
However, Wolff then appeared to dampen the speculation when he said: 'We want to continue with George and Kimi, that is the absolute priority.'
Some media though think Kimi Antonelli could revert to being reserve driver, with George Russell keeping his seat alongside Verstappen.
'It's not just about the team making a decision. The drivers also need to know where they stand,' said Wolff.
The 27-year-old Verstappen, a four-times world champion, appears to be dissatisfied at Red Bull this term having lost ground to championship leaders Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris in the McLarens.
However, the Dutchman still has a valid contract with Red Bull until 2028 and team boss Christian Horner, seen by many to have had a frosty relationship with Verstappen, was recently sacked.
'Of course, you can't overlook someone like Max and the plans he has for the future,' added Wolff cryptically.
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