Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has hinted at interest in signing Max Verstappen for the 2026 Formula 1 season, potentially pairing him with George Russell in what would be a blockbuster driver line-up.
In interviews on Friday, Wolff confirmed contact had been made with Verstappen, the four-time world champion currently under contract with Red Bull until 2028. The discussions have reportedly impacted negotiations with Russell, who has been in top form this season.
Russell downplayed any concerns, telling Sky Sports F1: 鈥淚t鈥檚 entirely normal that conversations with the likes of Verstappen are ongoing. But from my side, if I鈥檓 performing as I鈥檓 doing, what have I got to be concerned about? There are two seats in every Formula 1 team.鈥
Though Wolff has long shown interest in Verstappen, he emphasized satisfaction with the current line-up of Russell and 17-year-old rookie Kimi Antonelli. Still, speculation continues that Wolff may be willing to manage the high-stakes dynamic between Verstappen and Russell, who have had several on- and off-track clashes in the past year.
Wolff admitted that Russell is still the more likely option to stay, with his contract expiring at the end of the season. 鈥淗e has been part of our programme for 10 years,鈥 said Wolff. 鈥淗e鈥檚 always performed to expectations鈥 Contract discussions are not held in Town Halls.鈥
In a separate interview, Wolff added: 鈥淎t the moment, clearly you need to explore what鈥檚 happening in the future, but it doesn鈥檛 change anything of what I said before about George, about Kimi, about the line-up that I鈥檓 extremely happy having.鈥
Verstappen, frustrated with Red Bull鈥檚 current performance, refused to comment on the rumors. 鈥淚 don鈥檛 think we need to talk about that,鈥 the 27-year-old said. 鈥淛ust driving well, trying to push the performance and then we focus on next year.鈥
Much hinges on developments at Red Bull, where Verstappen ally Helmut Marko may be considering his future amid reports that Sebastian Vettel has been approached to replace him. With recent high-profile exits from Red Bull and major regulation changes looming in 2026, Verstappen鈥檚 future may yet lie elsewhere.