Toto Wolff addresses Mercedes’ stance on Max Verstappen move for 2027

March 26, 2026 Oliver Obel

Mercedes’ commanding start to the 2026 Formula 1 season has not only set the pace on track it has also quieted talk of a potential move for Max Verstappen.

After two races, the team has emerged as the early benchmark. George Russell opened the campaign with victory in Australia, before Kimi Antonelli followed up in China, marking a perfect start under the new regulations.

That early form has reinforced confidence within the team and reduced any immediate need to look externally, even for a driver of Verstappen’s calibre.

Wolff dismisses early rumours

Speculation linking Verstappen to Mercedes is not new. Reports during the 2025 season suggested a clause in his Red Bull contract could allow him to leave depending on his position in the drivers’ standings.

But speaking to Austrian outlet OE24, team principal Toto Wolff made clear that revisiting those rumours now makes little sense.

“The astonishing thing is that these silly rumours are already surfacing in March,” he said.
“It’s silly enough that you normally have to discuss these things in July; I don’t know who brought this up again.”

Verstappen ultimately remained at Red Bull and finished just two points behind 2025 champion Lando Norris after a late-season surge.

Confidence in current line-up

Despite Verstappen’s status as a four-time world champion, Wolff emphasized that Mercedes are fully satisfied with their existing drivers.

“We have two drivers with whom we have long-term, multi-year contracts. I could not be happier with either of them. Both are delivering top performances.
So there is absolutely no reason to even consider a line-up change, or other drivers. I say this with utmost respect for Max.”

Mercedes have already committed to both Russell and Antonelli on multi-year agreements, signalling stability at a time when other teams face uncertainty.

Contract differences fuel debate

Even so, discussion around the team’s long-term plans persists. According to Sky Sports, Russell’s contract is guaranteed through 2027, while Antonelli is signed until 2029.

That gap has prompted outside speculation. On the Stay On Track podcast, 1996 world champion Damon Hill suggested Russell was “always temporary,” while Johnny Herbert questioned whether Verstappen is fully content at Red Bull.

Red Bull under pressure

Performance trends have only added to the uncertainty. Verstappen endured a difficult opening to 2026, finishing sixth in Australia after a brake issue and retiring in China due to an engine problem.

Red Bull appear to be trailing Mercedes and Ferrari on outright pace, with McLaren also competitive depending on the circuit.

Verstappen has also publicly criticised the new regulations, comparing the 2026 cars to “Mario Kart” a remark that has intensified discussion about his long-term future.

Focus remains on results

For now, however, Mercedes’ position is clear. With two wins from two races and both drivers delivering, Wolff has little incentive to consider changes.

If the current trajectory continues, speculation around Verstappen may persist but it is unlikely to translate into action any time soon.

Sources: OE24, Sky Sports, SPORTbible, Stay On Track podcast