Toto Wolff has confirmed that the team is no longer interested in pursuing Max Verstappen due to…read more.
Toto Wolff, Mercedes team principal, has confirmed that the team is no longer pursuing Max Verstappen after finalizing its 2025 driver lineup. With the future pairing now set, Wolff believes it is time to stop “flirting” with the idea of Verstappen joining Mercedes, as the team’s attention has shifted to supporting its own drivers.
Earlier in the year, Wolff had explored the possibility of signing the reigning world champion, especially after Lewis Hamilton’s announcement to leave the team at the end of 2024. Wolff had hoped Verstappen might consider a move due to Red Bull’s early-season controversies and speculation about the team’s long-term prospects. However, discussions with Verstappen’s camp failed to progress, and Mercedes’ interest has since dwindled.
A key factor in this shift was the team’s growing confidence in Andrea Kimi Antonelli, its promising junior driver. Antonelli impressed during testing, and Mercedes was so convinced by his potential that they named him as Hamilton’s replacement for 2025. Antonelli will team up with George Russell, who will continue with Mercedes, forming a strong driver duo that the team hopes will lead them to success for years to come.
Wolff explained the decision to stop pursuing Verstappen by likening it to a relationship: “It’s like flirting outside whilst you’re trying to make your relationship work. It doesn’t work, I’m not flirting outside.” He emphasized that Mercedes is committed to its current drivers and will only look at external options if the situation within the team dramatically changes. Wolff also noted that Verstappen shares a similar focus on supporting his own team, which made the talks less relevant.
While Antonelli represents a long-term vision for Mercedes, the future of George Russell also remains a topic of interest. Red Bull has expressed curiosity about Russell’s future, as his contract with Mercedes expires at the end of 2025. Despite this, Wolff has reassured that Russell is a central part of Mercedes’ plans and that the team is not worried about losing him to a competitor.
Wolff sees Russell as a crucial figure in Mercedes’ future, highlighting similarities between Russell’s and Antonelli’s development through karting and junior formulas. Both drivers are seen as key to Mercedes’ future success, and Wolff believes that the arrival of Antonelli will bring a fresh dynamic that will benefit both him and Russell. With their driver lineup locked in, Mercedes is now focused on supporting its talent, leaving any past interest in Verstappen behind.
