Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff was crystal clear in Jeddah ahead of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix: There have been no conversations with Verstappen, and there are no plans to pursue one.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cWe didn\u2019t have any conversations,\u201d Wolff told The Athletic on Saturday. \u201cAt the moment, with George [Russell] and Kimi [Antonelli], there\u2019s no reason to question that set-up for the future.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Verstappen, the 27-year-old four-time world champion, remains under contract with Red Bull until the end of 2028. However, Red Bull\u2019s dip in dominance this season \u2014 particularly visible in Bahrain \u2014 has led to renewed speculation about his long-term loyalty. Team advisor Helmut Marko fanned the flames when he admitted, \u201cthe concern is great\u201d regarding Verstappen\u2019s future.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Yet Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has downplayed the noise, insisting on Sky Sports that the speculation is just that \u2014 \u201cnoise.\u201d Asked point-blank whether Verstappen would be in a Red Bull for the 2026 season opener in Australia, Horner didn\u2019t blink: \u201cYeah, absolutely.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
At Mercedes, the focus is squarely on continuity and nurturing youth. George Russell, now the de facto team leader following Lewis Hamilton\u2019s high-profile move to Ferrari, is delivering early-season form \u2014 three podiums in the first four races \u2014 and sits just six points behind Verstappen in the standings.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Wolff believes Russell has seamlessly inherited Hamilton\u2019s mantle: \u201cHe\u2019s in his prime, or at the beginning of it. He delivers, performs, and carries himself like a senior driver. He\u2019s taken over that role from Lewis.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Despite Russell\u2019s contract expiring at the end of 2025, both he and the team are taking a laid-back approach to negotiations. \u201cWe\u2019ll pick those talks up in the European season. There\u2019s no stress,\u201d Wolff said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Then there\u2019s 18-year-old Kimi Antonelli \u2014 a rookie with immense promise and Mercedes\u2019 long-term bet. Wolff and the team remain committed to his development, leaving no room in the garage for Verstappen.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Adding another voice to the conversation, Williams team principal James Vowles \u2014 once Mercedes\u2019 head of strategy \u2014 advised against a Verstappen move.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Then there\u2019s 18-year-old Kimi Antonelli \u2014 a rookie with immense promise and Mercedes\u2019 long-term bet. Wolff and the team remain committed to his development, leaving no room in the garage for Verstappen.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
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