Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has suggested that he harbours zero intention to revive discussions with Max Verstappen about a possible move to the team in Formula 1.
Red Bull’s wretched weekend in Bahrain last time around has reignited rumours that Verstappen could be prepared to leave unless the situation at the team improves.
Mercedes has been recognised as a viable destination should Verstappen decide to call time on his prosperous spell with Red Bull amid Wolff’s long-term admiration.
Wolff missed out on Verstappen’s services to Red Bull in 2014 prior to his ascent to F1 and again last term when he was searching for a successor to Lewis Hamilton.
But while the Dutchman remained committed to Red Bull as he achieved his fourth consecutive title in 2024, Wolff expressed confidence that their paths would cross.
That prompted the Austrian to be quizzed on whether he would leap at the chance to sign Verstappen should he receive the indication that his signature is obtainable.
“No I wouldn’t say that,” Wolff answered to Sky Sports F1 in Saudi Arabia. “I always say I don’t flirt outside if I’m happy in the relationship, professionally.
“I’m super happy with the line-up that we have. I couldn’t wish for anything better, and Max is at Red Bull, we haven’t had a conversation, we’re continuing our trajectory.”
Mercedes hails Russell amid Verstappen links
Wolff’s dismissal towards Verstappen has come amid George Russell’s sensational response to taking on the team leader mantle at Mercedes in Hamilton’s absence.
The Briton, team-mate to rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli, has stood on the podium three times in four rounds to be regarded as an outside bet in the championship race.
“He’s doing a top job,” Wolff assessed.
“He was a little bit always, I wouldn’t say underrated because he’s such a stoic person…people talked about Lewis or talked about Max.
“Now you can see how he’s delivering. He’s performing to the maximum and he’s doing really great.”
Russell unconcerned by Verstappen rumours
Russell divulged that he has never been concerned that he could lose his drive at Mercedes to Verstappen amid the expectation that he is poised to pen an extension.
“From my side there’s literally no stress, no worries whatsoever,” he addressed. “I think when it comes to contracts everyone gets so excited about it.
“The fact is, drivers have had contracts and if they don’t perform they get booted out.
“For drivers, performance is our currency – that’s what we’ve got, and if you perform everything is good.
“So I’m just excited to go racing this weekend, focus on performance and the future sorts itself out.”
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