Toto Wolff at the US GP's press conference - Photo: Race Pictures

Wolff: Transparent approach as Mercedes cool Verstappen speculation

22:32, 17 Oct

Updated: 03:33, 18 Oct

byKada Sarkozi

Toto Wolff underlined being transparent is the 'best path' when addressing whether signing Max Verstappen could be on the cards next year.

"[Russell and Verstappen], certainly good entertainment for everyone. But we don’t want to create any rumours here."

- Toto Wolff

Ahead of the United States Grand Prix, Mercedes announced their line-up for the 2026 season: both George Russell and Kimi Antonelli will remain with the German team.

During the current campaign, there were rumours of Verstappen joining the team. The Dutchman confirmed during the Hungarian GP that he will remain with Red Bull Racing next year.

"I knew you were asking that," the Austrian began to GPblog when asked whether this would be repeated ahead of the 2027 season.

"So here we go already [in] October.

"Being open and transparent is the best path forward. Sometimes it bites you a bit.

"When you look back, maybe certain events could have been better, coincidences that happened, but I've always done it in the most straightforward and fair way.

"I stand by the driver choices, but George and Kimi, like I said, this is the full focus. And that was always the aim throughout, also the more tricky part over the summer."

Wolff walking in the paddock - Photo: Race Pictures

GPblog has learned that Russell has a multi-year deal, while Antonelli's contract expires at the end of 2026.

Talking to Sky Sports, Wolff also shared some details about contract lengths.

"I think you need stability and a rolling a one-year contract is never good for anyone.

"But without going into the detail, there are certain clauses that are related to it, but we want to give the driver the feeling, and also the team, that this is the way we’re going forward, it’s a line-up that we’re very happy with, the balance is good."

The Mercedes CEO and team boss was also asked about potentially pairing up Russell and Verstappen for 2027 by the British broadcaster.

Wolff concluded: "Certainly good entertainment for everyone. But we don’t want to create any rumours here. Kimi and George is what we want to do in the future and going forward, and it’s a good line-up."

F1 Paddock Updates

Want to stay up-to-date with what happens in the F1 paddock? Then GPblog's F1 Paddock Update video is the perfect way to do it. Subscribe to GPblog's YouTube channel and turn on notifications to never miss the latest episodes.