Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has made it clear that he feels "not at all" disappointed by Max Verstappen’s decision to sign a new long‑term contract with Red Bull that will keep the Dutch driver at the Austrian outfit until 2030. The statement came as the Formula 1 calendar prepared to kick off the second half of the season with the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort, where Verstappen, a four‑time world champion, was set to race on home soil.
Red Bull finally put an end to the swirling rumors about Verstappen’s future by announcing the extension on Thursday. The previous agreement had been due to run until the end of 2028, but it contained exit clauses that would have allowed the 28‑year‑old to leave the team as early as 2027. Those clauses had fuelled endless speculation about possible moves to rival squads, particularly Mercedes and McLaren, both of which were mentioned repeatedly in the media. Wolff’s interest in Verstappen became public after Lewis Hamilton announced in February 2024 that he would leave Mercedes for Ferrari starting in 2025.
With Hamilton’s departure, the German‑based team suddenly found itself without a clear number‑one driver for the coming years. Wolff hinted that Mercedes could still be a destination for the Dutch star and, during the 2023‑24 off‑season, he was quoted as saying that signing Verstappen would be a major coup for the team.
Despite those overtures, Wolff has repeatedly emphasized his satisfaction with the current Mercedes driver line‑up, which now consists of the young Italian Kimi Antonelli and the experienced George Russell. After the Zandvoort race, the pair occupied the top two spots in the Drivers’ Championship, with Antonelli leading the way. In an interview with Sky Sports F1 at the Dutch circuit, Wolff explained the rationale behind his calm stance: "The most important thing for us has always been clarity within the team. We have committed to George and Kimi, and the recent contract extension for Max simply reinforces the logical direction we have already taken." He added that the so‑called "silly season" – the period when drivers and teams negotiate contracts – was effectively over, allowing everyone to focus solely on performance on the track.
When pressed about any personal disappointment regarding the length of Verstappen’s deal, Wolff responded unequivocally: "No, not at all. We know each other well, and with Kimi and George we have the perfect set‑up. There is nothing to be upset about." The shift in Wolff’s attitude appears to be linked to Antonelli’s remarkable form.
The 20‑year‑old Italian, who turned 20 just a few days before the Dutch Grand Prix, has exceeded expectations by building a substantial points gap over his more seasoned teammate, Russell. Antonelli currently enjoys a 59‑point lead at the top of the standings, a margin that would have seemed unlikely at the start of the season. Mercedes took a bold step by promoting Antonelli to replace Hamilton as a teenager, a move that carried considerable risk given the rookie’s limited experience.
While his debut season showed flashes of brilliance mixed with occasional inconsistency, his 2026 campaign has been nothing short of spectacular. He has broken several records, including a streak of five consecutive race victories after finishing runner‑up in the opening round. Such dominant performances have likely reassured Wolff that the team’s future does not hinge on luring Verstappen away from Red Bull.
Across the grid, McLaren also appears content with its current driver roster. The British outfit fields reigning champion Lando Norris alongside Oscar Piastri, a combination that has helped the team secure back‑to‑back Constructors’ Championships.
Their stability mirrors Mercedes’ approach, suggesting that the top teams are less inclined to chase Verstappen now that he has committed to staying with Red Bull. Nico Rosberg, former Mercedes driver and 2016 world champion who now works as a Sky Sports F1 analyst, praised the news of Verstappen’s extension.
"It’s fantastic for Formula 1 because Max is the best driver on the grid right now, and we want him to stay where he is. He considered taking a break from the sport, so this is great news," Rosberg said.
He added that Verstappen’s negotiations with McLaren were likely a strategic move to strengthen his bargaining position with Red Bull, rather than a genuine intent to switch teams. Rosberg estimated that Red Bull will now be offering the Dutchman a salary in the region of £80 million per year, a figure that reflects both his market value and the team’s desire for stability. Looking ahead, the championship will travel to Monza for the Italian Grand Prix, scheduled for September 4‑6. The race will be broadcast live on Sky Sports F1, with streaming options available through NOW.
As the season progresses, the focus will shift from contract speculation to on‑track battles, with Mercedes hoping that the partnership of Antonelli and Russell can continue to challenge Red Bull’s dominance, while Red Bull aims to capitalize on Verstappen’s renewed commitment to maintain its competitive edge.