Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff mentioned two months ago that chasing Red Bull’s Max Verstappen was not a priority, but new admissions suggest his stance has now shifted

Mercedes’ Toto Wolff seems to have changed his tune when it comes to recruiting Max Verstappen(Image: Getty Images)

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has performed a U-tuen regarding his interest in Red Bull ace Max Verstappen. While Mercedes drivers George Russell and Kimi Antonelli have contracts winding up in 2025, speculation is rife about the Dutchman being ‘close’ to signing with the Silver Arrows.

Currently, Mercedes faces uncertainty as neither of their drivers are locked in post-2025. With talks for a new contract with Russell ongoing and whispers of Verstappen swapping teams picking up pace, Wolff’s stance appears to have evolved.

While he downplayed any interest in Verstappen as recently as March, ahead of the British Grand Prix, Sky Italy suggests that the wheels are in motion for him to join Mercedes, and a deal is ‘close.’

The team’s board hasn’t yet settled on this potential shuffle, which leaves the Brackley futures of Russell and young 18-year-old Antonelli in limbo.

Just months prior, at the Australian Grand Prix, Wolff’s comments echoed different sentiments: “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 [Verstappen] is not on any, let’s say, radar. I don’t like to shift my concentration away from these guys [Russell and Antonelli].”

Boss Wolff has now candidly acknowledged that discussions with Verstappen, who is tied to Red Bull until 2028, are essential as Mercedes’ future lead driver remains a mystery for the 2026 season. Red Bull has kept quiet on the matter, reports the Express.

“Everything goes its normal course – we have agreed on timings and we’re absolutely within that framework, and it’s clear silly season starts now,” Wolff remarked back in June, in a stark contrast to his earlier admission.

Verstappen could oust either Russell or Antonelli at Mercedes(Image: Getty Images)

“Some conversations you just simply need to have, but it doesn’t change my fundamental opinion about how the team is going to go forwards.

“People talk, people explore, and most important is that in our organisation, we are transparent. But it doesn’t change a millimetre of my opinion of George, his abilities, or anything else.”

Russell, basking in the glory of his maiden race victory at last month’s Canadian Grand Prix, has been open about the situation in talks with Sky Sports F1.

“As Mercedes, they want to be back on top, and if you’re going to be back on top, you need to make sure you’ve got the best drivers, the best engineers, the best pit crew, and that’s what Mercedes are chasing,” he admitted.

“So, it’s only normal that conversations with the likes of Verstappen are ongoing. But from my side, if I’m performing as I’m doing, what have I got to be concerned about? There are two seats in every Formula 1 team.”

Asked if Russell was atop the list for Mercedes in 2026, Wolff replied: “Well, he needs to be top of the list because he’s a race winner with us. He’s a Mercedes junior. He’s been with the team for a long time.”