Wolff focused on current line-up – Verstappen ‘not on any radar'

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Mercedes F1 boss Toto Wolff has emphatically dismissed speculation about pursuing Max Verstappen, insisting his focus is squarely on his current drivers, George Russell and rookie Kimi Antonelli.

Speaking ahead of this weekend’s Australian Grand Prix, Wolff quashed any notion of revisiting his 2024 flirtation with the Red Bull star as Russell enters a pivotal contract year.

After Lewis Hamilton’s shock 2024 exit to Ferrari, Wolff opted for 19-year-old Antonelli to join Russell, who has since taken on a leadership role. Despite past interest in Verstappen, Wolff now says the four-time world champion isn’t in his plans.

Commitment to the Current Line-Up

Wolff made his stance clear: “We need to concentrate on our driver line-up,” he said in Melbourne.

“I don’t flirt outside if I’m in a good relationship. So at the moment that [approaching Verstappen] is not on any radar.”

His words signal a firm commitment to Russell and Antonelli, ending talk of a blockbuster move, at least for now.

He also addressed Russell’s future, with the Briton’s contract expiring in 2025.

“I don’t plan to shift my concentration away from these guys and [want to] make sure that George has some visibility very soon, or has a contract very soon,” the Austrian added.

“[We will] find some time I guess before the summer, but we do that in a timely manner without disrupting the season.”

Russell Focused on Performance

Russell, coming off a strong 2024 campaign during which he won two Grands Prix and dominated Hamilton in both qualifying and race trim, has proven his mettle.

Yet, the Briton insists his immediate priority isn’t his contract but Mercedes’ resurgence.

“We have had such a long-term relationship and so much trust between one another and we are focused on getting Mercedes back on top and trying to win races and championships,” Russell said in reference to Wolff’s comments.

“Performance speaks, so from my side there is no pressure,” he continued. “I have no doubts about myself and everything falls into place when the timing is right.

“We have bigger fish to fry right now, which is getting us back on top.”

With Russell leading and Antonelli learning, Wolff’s rejection of Verstappen rumors underscores a stable vision for Mercedes.

As the team aims to reclaim its dominance, starting in Melbourne, both Wolff and Russell are aligned – contracts can wait when the top step beckons.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.