19/04/2025 12:30
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has provided another indication
of how he expects his driver line-up to look next year. Uncertainty
exists over Mercedes' 2026 shape as both George Russell and Kimi
Antonelli are out of contract at the end of the current season. Max
Verstappen has been linked with a departure from Red Bull amid its
slump in form, with Mercedes touted as a potential destination.
Wolff pursued Verstappen's signature last year as he searched to
replace Ferrari-bound Lewis Hamilton, before settling on a
promotion for its teenage prodigy Kimi Antonelli. With Antonelli
viewed as a long-term investment for Mercedes, an arrival at the
Brackley-based squad would likely come at the expense of Russell,
who is currently enjoying his strongest start to a season. However,
Wolff has asserted he has not engaged in any conversations with
Verstappen as he maintains the team will look to retain its current
line-up into next year. "We didn't have any conversations," Wolff
told The Athletic . "At the moment, where it is with George and
Kimi, there's no doubt to question that set up for the future, as
it goes." Toto Wolff reveals timeline for George Russell talks A
recent report claimed Russell was nearing a two-year extension with
Mercedes, with the option for a third season. However, the report
was disputed by other media outlets, creating further uncertainty
over the Briton's future. Wolff has indicated Mercedes is keen to
re-sign Russell and pledged to carry out further talks with the
27-year-old when the European leg of the season begins mid-May. "We
will pick those talks up once we're in the European season, there's
no stress," Wolff added. "He's performing to the highest levels, as
we have hoped and expected. He's delivering, there's no doubt about
that. "There's not more you could demand from that. We have this
summer window. We have no reason to challenge or question anything
as it is now."
