Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has made it clear that he feels no regret over Max Verstappen’s decision to sign a new, long‑term contract with Red Bull that now runs through 2030. The announcement came just before the Formula 1 calendar resumed with the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort, where the Dutch driver’s future was finally settled after weeks of speculation.
Verstappen’s previous agreement with Red Bull was set to expire at the end of 2028, but it contained exit clauses that would have allowed the 28‑year‑old champion to leave the team as early as 2027. Rumours about a possible move to Mercedes or even McLaren swirled throughout the 2026 season, especially after Lewis Hamilton declared in February 2024 that he would abandon Mercedes for Ferrari starting in 2025. In response, Wolff launched a very public campaign to attract Verstappen to the Silver Arrows, and his interest appeared genuine throughout the latter half of the previous year. Despite that, Wolff has repeatedly emphasized his satisfaction with the current Mercedes driver lineup – a combination of the young Italian prodigy Kimi Antonelli and seasoned campaigner George Russell.
After the Zandvoort race, both drivers sat atop the Drivers’ Championship, with Antonelli in first place and Russell close behind in second. When Sky Sports F1 asked Wolff about Verstappen’s new contract, the Mercedes boss replied, “The most important thing for us has always been clarity within the team. We are fully committed to George and Kimi, and the decision to stay the course simply made sense.” He went on to describe the so‑called “silly season” – the period of driver‑market speculation that usually dominates the off‑season – as effectively over, allowing every team to focus solely on the racing itself. When pressed about any personal disappointment regarding the length of Verstappen’s deal, Wolff answered unequivocally: “No, not at all.
We know each other well, and with Kimi and George we have the perfect setup. There is nothing to be disappointed about.” Wolff’s shift away from pursuing Verstappen appears to be heavily influenced by Antonelli’s meteoric rise. The 20‑year‑old Italian, who turned twenty just last Tuesday, has outperformed the more experienced Russell to build a commanding 59‑point lead at the top of the standings. Mercedes took a bold step by promoting Antonelli to replace Hamilton as a teenager, a move that many pundits initially questioned due to the rookie’s inconsistent early performances.
However, his 2026 campaign has been nothing short of extraordinary – he has shattered multiple records, claimed five consecutive victories after a runner‑up finish in the opening race, and demonstrated a maturity beyond his years. That level of dominance has forced Wolff to reconsider whether it is still necessary to chase Verstappen, who has been the benchmark of excellence in the sport for several seasons. The Dutchman’s continued presence at Red Bull provides the team with stability and a clear technical direction, while Mercedes can now concentrate on developing its own package around the two drivers who are already delivering results.
Across the paddock, McLaren seems equally content with its current driver pairing of world champion Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. The duo has helped the Woking‑based outfit secure back‑to‑back Constructors’ Championships, reinforcing the notion that many top teams are opting for continuity rather than high‑profile driver swaps.
Former champion Nico Rosberg, now a Sky Sports F1 analyst, praised the situation, stating, “It’s fantastic news for Formula 1 that Max is staying with Red Bull. He’s the best driver on the grid right now, and we all want him to keep racing. He was even considering a break from the sport, so this contract is a huge relief.” Rosberg added that Verstappen had reportedly been in talks with McLaren, but those discussions were likely a strategic move to strengthen his negotiating position with Red Bull. He estimated that Red Bull’s offer to the Dutchman sits somewhere between £70 million and £90 million per year, with the final figure probably around £80 million – a sum that reflects Verstappen’s market value and the team’s desire for long‑term stability.
Looking ahead, the Formula 1 calendar will head to Monza for the Italian Grand Prix on September 4‑6, where Ferrari will host its home race. Fans can follow the action live on Sky Sports F1 or stream the coverage via NOW, with the flexibility to cancel at any time.
The focus now remains on how the championship unfolds with Mercedes confident in its driver trio, Red Bull secure in Verstappen’s commitment, and the rest of the grid poised for another intense season of racing.