Wolff Anticipates No Major Surprises Next Season

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has stated that George Russell and Kimi Antonelli are the team’s primary focus for the upcoming season, amidst discussions surrounding Max Verstappen, according to various international reports on Thursday.

Verstappen is currently trailing in the championship race this season. McLaren’s Oscar Piastri is leading with 234 points, while the Dutch racer sits in third place with 165 points.

Verstappen, who has enjoyed considerable success over the past four years, has expressed dissatisfaction with his car’s performance and has encountered difficulties throughout the current season.

As a new engine era approaches in 2026, speculation has arisen that the four-time world champion might leave Red Bull following a challenging season.

Talks of the Dutch driver’s potential move intensified after Red Bull dismissed team principal Christian Horner earlier this month. Laurent Mekies has been named as his replacement.

Russell’s current agreement concludes at the end of this season, while 18-year-old Antonelli is in his first season with Mercedes and is highly regarded by many experts.

Speaking to Austrian media, Wolff conveyed Mercedes’ vision for George and Kimi as integral to their future.

“Our present course is to proceed with George and Kimi. That is our chief concern,” stated Wolff.

“It’s impossible to disregard someone like Max and his future strategies. We considered it, but I don’t foresee any significant upsets.”

Wolff and Verstappen were reportedly vacationing at the same location and time, which sparked speculation on social media. However, the Mercedes boss dismissed any importance in this coincidence.

“Vacationing nearby doesn’t imply a forthcoming collaboration in Formula 1,” he clarified.

“We’ve consistently maintained a good relationship and we happen to visit similar locations during our holidays.”