Wolff rules out 'flirting' with Verstappen to focus on Mercedes 2025 lineup
F1 News
Toto Wolff has put an end to the speculation surrounding a potential move for Max Verstappen to Mercedes. The team boss has stated that he is satisfied with his current driver lineup, consisting of George Russell and rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli, and is no longer pursuing Verstappen.
"I think we've said it pretty clearly last year, and he [Verstappen] said the same. We need to concentrate on our driver line-up, we need to do the best that we can. I don't flirt outside if I'm in a good relationship, and that is true for this year, too. At the moment, that [pursuing Verstappen] is not on any radar. I don't like to shift my concentration away from these guys [Russell and Antonelli]," Wolff explained in Melbourne to GPblog and others.
In 2024, Toto Wolff pursued Max Verstappen throughout the season, and neither party made much effort to hide it. Discussions took place, but in the end, Verstappen remained loyal to Red Bull Racing. However, with George Russell’s contract set to expire soon, speculation has already begun about whether Mercedes will make another move for the reigning world champion. With Russell’s current deal nearing its end, Mercedes will need to decide on their long-term driver lineup sooner rather than later.
Will George Russell stay with Mercedes?
"We have had a chat a few weeks ago about what the right timing would be to liaise. I'm someone who sticks to what he says, and these two are the combination that I want to go forward with Mercedes. I have no other reasons to doubt that," Wolff revealed.
"We're going to find some time, I guess before the summer. I need to be careful what I say to you, because you will, every month probably, ask when have those discussions happened. But we will do that in a timely manner, without disrupting the season."
Russell has 'bigger fish to fry' before contract talks
"I think for both of us, we've had such a long-term relationship, so much trust between one another. We're focused on getting Mercedes back on top, and trying to win races and championships.
"To be honest, in this sport, performance speaks. So from my side, there's no pressure. I've got no doubts about myself, and everything falls into place when the timing is right. As I said, we've got bigger fish to fry right now, which is getting us back on top."
This article was written in collaboration with Tim Kraaj
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