Wolff keeping out of rivals' spat over Mercedes 2022 line-up

Toto Wolff says he will not get involved in the comments voiced by McLaren and Red Bull chiefs over who may drive for Mercedes in 2022.

McLaren boss Zak Brown went on record this week in Bahrain to predict Max Verstappen's move to Mercedes next year, adding that the Dutchman would be joined by George Russell at the Woking-based oufit.

"I think you will see Max and George there in 2022," Brown told the Daily Mail. "I think that’s the obvious conclusion."

Brown's conjecture drew a reaction from Red Bull motorsport boss Helmut Marko who called the McLaren boss a "good storyteller" who hasn't got a clue about what he's talking about.

"He talks all day long about funny things but he has no idea what our clause on early termination of the contract really is," Marko told Sky Germany.

"We don’t want to tie anyone to us who doesn’t feel comfortable with that, but we’re still a long way from the day when we start discussing this.

"We just need a championship-worthy car and then Verstappen will be more than happy with us."

Red Bull team boss Christian Horner also chimed in on the topic of Verstappen's future, labeling Brown's view as pure "speculation".

"Maybe they’re as likely to run Daniel and Lando!" mocked Horner. "We’re at the first race, we obviously acutely aware of what the contracts with our drivers are. It’s a bit early for speculation."

As for Wolff, the man who will ultimately co-sign the contracts of those who will be racing for Mercedes next year, the Austrian preferred to steer clear of the spat between McLaren and Red Bull's chiefs.

"I want to keep out of the discussion that these two have about who’s going to drive the Mercedes,” he said in Bahrain.

• Read also: Brown sees Verstappen and Russell racing at Mercedes in 2022!

Both Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas will see their contacts with Mercedes expire at the end of this season. Wolff is hopeful of engaging in talks and perhaps sealing a deal over the summer.

"We don’t want to leave it until January to confirm the two drivers," he said.

"Valtteri was pretty regular during the summer, this is when it should happen. Also, to give the driver peace-of-mind, or be able to concentrate on the job.

"And obviously for next year there’s lots of balls in the air and we will always try to do the best for the team long-term while also giving total loyalty to our current driver line-up.

"We are not doubting either Valtteri or Lewis but discussions obviously are going to happen – but not in January next year."

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