Mercedes boss Wolff dismisses Verstappen links

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has confirmed that the team intends to maintain its current driver pairing of George Russell and Kimi Antonelli, effectively ending speculation regarding a potential pursuit of Max Verstappen. Despite previous public interest in Verstappen, Wolff stated that the team is satisfied with its current line-up, which was formed following Lewis Hamilton’s departure to Ferrari. Wolff expressed confidence in both drivers, highlighting George Russell’s resilience in the face of internal competition and Kimi Antonelli’s raw speed. With Russell confirming his multi-year commitment, the team is now focused on the upcoming 2026 regulation changes, with both drivers starting the Austrian Grand Prix from strong positions on the grid.