Mercedes AMG PETRONAS F1 Team Principal, CEO, and team co-owner Toto Wolff says that he has not spoken to, nor will he speak to, defending Formula One world champion Max Verstappen about the Dutch driver joining the Brackley-based outfit in 2026 or at any other time.
It has been reported that Max Verstappen has become disillusioned with Oracle Red Bull Racing, given the team’s tough start to the 2025 season, coupled with the controversy at the center of which Christian Horner was involved in 2024. This has led to rumors that Verstappen is looking to get out of his contract. Speaking to Sky Sports F1 HD ahead of this weekend’s Saudi Arabia Grand Prix, Wolff said he is not flirting with other drivers, as he is delighted with the two drivers he has.
George Russell and Kimi Antonelli are currently fourth and sixth in the Drivers’ Championship. Ironically, Antonelli is one place ahead of the driver he replaced at Mercedes, Lewis Hamilton, who moved to Scuderia Ferrari over the off-season. The Italian is five points ahead of Hamilton after the opening three races of the season.
Reports this week suggested that Max Verstappen has been offered a three-year contract worth over $200 million, but both Verstappen and Mercedes have denied that.