Mercedes' Toto Wolff Prioritizes Russell and Antonelli; Dismisses Verstappen Move
Mercedes' Toto Wolff confirms George Russell and Kimi Antonelli as top choices for next season, dismissing a near-term move for Max Verstappen, who is third in standings.
George Russell and Kimi Antonelli are Mercedes' top choices for next season, according to team principal Toto Wolff—comments that appear to dismiss the possibility of a near-term move for Red Bull's four-time world champion Max Verstappen.
At the halfway point of the 24-race Formula One season, Verstappen sits third in the standings, 69 points behind McLaren's championship leader Oscar Piastri and 61 points behind Piastri's teammate, Lando Norris. The Dutchman's hopes of clinching a fifth consecutive title are rapidly fading.
Speculation around Verstappen's future has intensified, especially with the upcoming engine regulation changes set for 2026. Mercedes is widely expected to produce the strongest power unit in the new era, prompting talk that Verstappen could consider a switch.
Red Bull Shake-Up Fuels Speculation
That speculation gained further momentum after Red Bull parted ways with long-serving team principal Christian Horner earlier this month. Laurent Mekies will lead the team at this weekend's Belgian Grand Prix, adding further uncertainty to Red Bull's internal dynamics.
Meanwhile, 18-year-old rookie Kimi Antonelli, who joined Mercedes' driver program this year, is widely regarded as one of the sport's most promising young talents.
'The direction of travel is that we want to continue with George and Kimi. That is the first priority," Wolff told Austria's ORF television on Wednesday.
'You can't look past someone like Max and the plans he has for the future. We did that, but I don't think there will be any big surprises."
Verstappen's Contract Clauses and Holiday Rumors
According to ORF, Verstappen's contract contains performance-based exit clauses. However, he would have needed to fall outside the top three in the standings after the British Grand Prix at Silverstone to activate a release option—something that did not occur.
Social media buzzed earlier this month when Wolff and Verstappen were reportedly vacationing at the same time and location in Sardinia. Wolff, however, dismissed any link between the timing of their holidays and potential negotiations.
'If you go on holiday close to each other, it doesn't mean that you are also going to work together in Formula One," he said. 'We have always got along well. We also happen to vacation in similar areas."
(with agency inputs)
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