Mercedes Components 1 boss Toto Wolff has revealed zero negotiations have been held with Max Verstappen, claiming he’s “tremendous pleased” together with his present driver pairing.
The way forward for the four-time world champion is presently unsure as a consequence of Purple Bull’s aggressive decline, and Mercedes has been touted as a potential vacation spot for Verstappen.
Mercedes famously missed out on signing him in 2014 when a 17-year-old Verstappen opted to affix the Purple Bull fold to make his F1 debut.
Preliminary talks between each events reignited final summer season when Mercedes was trying to find its Lewis Hamilton alternative, however negotiations by no means went additional.
The Silver Arrows finally partnered George Russell with rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli for 2025, however final yr Wolff claimed he had a “feeling” the paths of Mercedes and Verstappen would finally cross.
So when requested by Sky Sports activities F1 if he would instantly soar on the likelihood of signing Verstappen, the Austrian replied: “No I wouldn’t say that. I at all times say I don’t flirt exterior if I’m pleased within the relationship, professionally.
“I’m tremendous proud of the line-up that we have now. I couldn’t want for something higher, and Max is at Purple Bull, we haven’t had a dialog, we’re persevering with our trajectory.”
Max Verstappen, Purple Bull Racing
Photograph by: Purple Bull Content material Pool
If Verstappen have been to affix Mercedes then it could probably be within the place of Russell, whose contract expires on the finish of this yr.
However the three-time grand prix winner has significantly impressed in 2025, claiming three podiums throughout the opening 4 rounds and is fourth within the championship. It’s understood that the shape has led to him being set for a contract renewal.
“He’s doing a prime job,” stated Wolff. “He was somewhat bit at all times, I wouldn’t say underrated as a result of he’s such a stoic individual…individuals talked about Lewis or talked about Max.
“Now you’ll be able to see how he’s delivering. He’s performing to the utmost and he’s doing actually nice.”
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Antonelli has additionally impressed in his rookie marketing campaign, sitting sixth within the championship, but Wolff stated it’s nonetheless a “studying” course of for the 18-year-old.
“It’s a trajectory,” Wolff added. “George’s stage could be very excessive and that is Components 1, I at all times say to him [Antonelli], ‘you’d by no means been uncovered to such a area of the most effective drivers on this planet’.
“So it could have been bizarre him coming in being on George’s tempo as a result of that may have meant George was not on the max stage…George is.”
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On this article
Ed Hardy
Components 1
Max Verstappen
Purple Bull Racing
Mercedes
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