Toto Wolff has definitively dismissed speculation linking Max Verstappen to Mercedes, asserting his complete satisfaction with the team’s current driver lineup and suggesting George Russell could remain with the Silver Arrows for another decade.
The Mercedes team principal’s comments come amid persistent rumours surrounding Verstappen’s future at Red Bull and a strong start to the season for Mercedes, which has seen both Russell and Kimi Antonelli secure victories.
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Wolff’s stance also directly refutes suggestions from 1996 world champion Damon Hill, who recently claimed Russell’s position at Mercedes was "always temporary."
Speaking to the Press Association ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix, Wolff addressed the Verstappen rumours head-on.
"Someone said that the Max discussions will eventually come back on the table again. But no, there are not any Max discussions," he stated.
Toto Wolff has ruled out signing Max Verstappen (PA Wire)Wolff expressed unwavering confidence in his current pairing. "I could not be happier with the two drivers that we have. The positioning of the two, with the age gap and how it aligns well with our strategy, means there are not any discussions."
He acknowledged Hill’s esteemed career but disagreed with his assessment of Russell.
"I respect Damon tremendously. I read his book, and I can relate to many things in his life. And he is a world champion, and there are not many that can say that," Wolff said.
"But on that particular topic, I wouldn’t have said it that way because George has been with us since 2017 and there is no reason why that shouldn’t keep going until 2037."
Wolff reiterated the stability within the team: "The Max to Mercedes thing for now is not on. The situation is completely transparent. We have clear contracts with both drivers."
Mercedes has set a strong benchmark this season, adapting well to the new regulations, with Russell, 28, currently holding a four-point championship lead over his 19-year-old team-mate Antonelli after the opening two rounds.
The conversation also turned to Lewis Hamilton, who is set to depart Mercedes for Ferrari at the end of 2024 in pursuit of a record eighth world title. Wolff revealed a recent light-hearted exchange with Hamilton about Mercedes’ current performance.
"No, and we were joking about that," replied Wolff when asked if Hamilton might regret his move. "He said to me, ‘ooh, the car is quick’. We were also having banter on WhatsApp. And he said, ‘are you guys heavy (on fuel)?’ And I said, ‘we haven’t even turned the engine on yet!’"
Wolff maintained that Hamilton’s decision was mutually beneficial. "The decisions were the right ones for him and the right ones for us. We spent 12 years together and that is the longest driver-team relationship that existed.
“You go on holiday 12 times in a row with your best friend and in the end he will annoy you. It was a good step for him to leave the team, to reinvent himself, become an iconic Ferrari driver, and it has probably made him even bigger."
Wolff also spoke about Lewis Hamilton’s decision to leave Mercedes for Ferrari (Getty)He added: "But at the same time he will not lose his Mercedes DNA because that was his most successful period. And for us, it was good to embark on a new project with George and Kimi – a full Mercedes junior line-up with Kimi, at 18, stepping into the shoes of the GOAT."
Wolff, who shared a private jet with Hamilton back to Monaco after the recent Shanghai race, also touched on Hamilton’s personal life, including his new relationship with reality star Kim Kardashian.
"Aren’t we all in pursuit of happiness and fulfilment? I see that positiveness in him (Hamilton). He is in a good place and that makes me happy because he deserves to be in a good place," Wolff observed.
"He enjoys driving these cars. It challenges him but at the same time he is quick. Is he chasing the eighth? Certainly. But it is more about chasing to enjoy what he is doing."