Mercedes team principal and CEO Toto Wolff has dropped a significant update regarding their driver line-up situation in 2026 as Max Verstappen continues to be linked with a move to the F1 team.
Verstappen, who currently sits third in the driver's standings ahead of this weekend's Grand Prix in Belgium, has cut a frustrated figure of late as he continues to struggle against the McLarens of Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris.
As a result, the 27-year-old has been heavily linked with a move away from Red Bull.
The idea of Verstappen linking up with Toto Wolff has only increased with a lack of movement when it comes to new deals for Mercedes drivers George Russell and Kimi Antonelli.
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Wolff, of course, publicly pursued Verstappen until halfway through last season, when the Dutchman decided to recommit to Red Bull.
But despite him being the most obvious solution for Mercedes, it appears Wolff has played down a move for Verstappen after he touched on their driver situation during a recent interview.
Speaking to Austrian ORF, as per GPBlog, Wolff said: “The direction we want to take is to continue with George and Kimi. That's our top priority. Everyone is informed."
He also said there will be "no big surprises" regarding Mercedes' driver line-up next year.
“It's not just about the team making a decision," Wolf added. "The drivers also need to know where they stand. We have always tried to stick to this rule. And we will do it again now."
Insider reveals what he's heard about Max Verstappen's future
For weeks now, rumours of Verstappen and a potential switch to Mercedes have been rife. Viaplay commentator Nelson Valkenburg provided new insight into the situation on a recent episode of the Nailing the Apex podcast.
"Red Bull's in a difficult spot here, because they have a contract, they cannot renegotiate," said Valkenburg.
"The only thing they need to prove to Verstappen is that they can build a car that he can become a champion with next year. And that's where the doubt is."
He added: "And over the last few years, race by race by race, Verstappen seems to have lost confidence in the technical team, the design team within Red Bull. Not the race team, not the people trying to get the most out of the car, but really the design team."
Valkenburg also revealed that the situation with Verstappen could become even clearer in the coming days. "They're getting closer and closer. And we've been hearing rumblings that we might have to prepare for some sort of press event in Spa," he continued.
"But that's very much... it is so unconfirmed. It's one of those rumours that I'll wait and see."
Topics: Formula 1, Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing, Mercedes
Jack Kenmare