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Mercedes Boss Shuts Down Verstappen Rumour in Stunning Rebuke
EUROPE, JUL 23 – Mercedes prioritizes extending George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli's contracts for 2026 amid Max Verstappen's uncertain future, says team boss Toto Wolff.
- Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff stated on Wednesday ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix that retaining George Russell and Kimi Antonelli is the absolute priority for 2026.
- This position arises amid ongoing speculation about Max Verstappen possibly activating an exit clause after the Hungarian Grand Prix if he ranks lower than fourth in the Drivers' standings.
- Wolff dismissed rumors linking Verstappen to Mercedes by saying vacationing near each other was coincidence and affirmed that Mercedes plans to continue with the current driver pairing.
- He added that contract discussions for Russell and Antonelli have taken place over weeks while Verstappen's Red Bull deal contains a performance clause that might allow early departure.
- Wolff’s stance suggests Mercedes intends to maintain driver stability for 2026 despite market rumors, focusing on preparing for upcoming regulation changes with Russell and Antonelli.
35 Articles
35 Articles
Will the Silver Arrows secure the services of the quadruple world champion? Whether Max Verstappen is already driving for the German car manufacturer in Formula 1 in 2026 will soon be clear. Mercedes Motorsport Director Toto Wolff gives a schedule.
Is the sensational change of Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen finally off the table? Toto Wolff now pushes this hope forward to many fans.
The decision about a sensational change of Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen from Red Bull to Mercedes from the coming season is imminent. Around the Grand Prix of Belgium on Sunday in Spa "we will know as a team how we want to play next year. When we say so, it is not quite certain," said Mercedes motorsport manager Toto Wolff on Wednesday in ORF short sports. After that, the racing stable in Spa-Francorchamps wants to clarify internally …
kreiszeitung.de
Will the Silver Arrows secure the services of the quadruple world champion? Whether Max Verstappen is already driving for the German car manufacturer in Formula 1 in 2026 will soon be clear.
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