Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has confirmed his interest in signing four-time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen for the 2026 season, potentially pairing the Dutchman with George Russell in what could be one of the most dynamic line-ups in recent F1 history. With Verstappen currently under contract at Red Bull until 2028, but with performance-based clauses allowing for an early exit, speculation is rife about a potential blockbuster move to Mercedes.
Toto Wolff’s Public Confirmation
Speaking ahead of the 2025 Austrian Grand Prix, Wolff made clear that Mercedes is actively exploring the possibility of bringing Verstappen on board. “I like what George says and I’m always supportive of the driver,” Wolff commented, referencing Russell’s own remarks about the team’s transparency and ongoing negotiations. He emphasized that conversations about Verstappen are happening behind closed doors, rather than in public forums.
Wolff also addressed the impact of these discussions on George Russell’s contract renewal, stating, “We are very transparent in the team for what we do, what we plan, and we’ve been like that since I was put in charge.” He denied any delay in Russell’s contract situation, noting that both drivers—Russell and rookie Kimi Antonelli—are highly valued within the team.
Why Mercedes Wants Max Verstappen
- Proven Champion: Verstappen is a four-time world champion with a record-breaking win streak and numerous accolades, making him one of the most successful drivers in modern F1 history.
- Marketability: His star power and global fanbase would be a significant asset for Mercedes, both on and off the track.
- Team Dynamics: Pairing Verstappen with George Russell would create a formidable and potentially explosive partnership, capable of challenging for both constructors’ and drivers’ championships.
The Current Mercedes Line-up
Mercedes currently fields George Russell and 18-year-old Andrea Kimi Antonelli, who is seen as the long-term future of the team. Russell has performed strongly, securing a race win and multiple podiums in the 2025 season, while Antonelli is still gaining experience in F1.
Despite the presence of these promising talents, Wolff has not ruled out the possibility of signing Verstappen, making it clear that Mercedes is always looking to strengthen its roster with the best available drivers.
Verstappen’s Contract Situation
Verstappen remains under contract with Red Bull until 2028, but there are understood to be clauses that could allow him to leave early, depending on team performance and other factors. This has fueled ongoing speculation about his future, especially as he has recently refused to commit to Red Bull beyond 2026 when questioned by the media.
What This Means for Mercedes and F1
- Driver Market Shake-up: If Verstappen were to join Mercedes, it would be one of the biggest driver moves in recent F1 history, potentially reshaping the competitive landscape.
- Russell’s Position: George Russell has stated that he is not concerned about the team’s interest in Verstappen, emphasizing that every team should pursue the best available talent.
- Team Transparency: Wolff’s open approach to driver negotiations is seen as a strength, fostering trust and clear communication within the team.
Potential Challenges
- Contractual Hurdles: Verstappen’s current Red Bull contract and any associated buyout clauses would need to be navigated.
- Team Dynamics: Pairing two highly competitive drivers like Verstappen and Russell could lead to on-track clashes, as seen in previous incidents.
- Long-term Planning: Mercedes must balance the immediate benefits of signing Verstappen with the development of young drivers like Antonelli.
Toto Wolff’s confirmation of Mercedes’ interest in Max Verstappen signals a bold approach to securing the best talent for the team’s future. While Verstappen remains at Red Bull for now, the possibility of a move to Mercedes in 2026 is very real. Whatever the outcome, the next few months will be crucial in shaping the future of both Mercedes and the wider F1 grid.