Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff made it clear that he feels absolutely no disappointment over Max Verstappen’s decision to sign a fresh, long‑term deal with Red Bull that will keep the Dutch driver at the Dutch‑powered outfit until 2030. The announcement came just before the start of the Formula 1 season’s return, with the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort set to kick off the weekend. Red Bull finally put an end to months of speculation about the four‑time world champion’s future by confirming the extension, which supersedes his previous agreement that was due to run until the end of 2028. Under the terms of that earlier contract, a series of exit clauses would have allowed Verstappen to leave the team as early as 2027, and rumours had swirled about potential moves to rival teams such as Mercedes or McLaren.
Wolff had been very vocal about his interest in acquiring Verstappen after Lewis Hamilton announced in February 2024 that he would depart Mercedes to join Ferrari for the 2025 season. The Mercedes boss even hinted that the Dutch star was still on his radar during the previous year, suggesting that a move to the Silver Arrows was a realistic possibility. However, in recent weeks Wolff has repeatedly emphasized his satisfaction with the current driver pairing at Mercedes – 20‑year‑old Kimi Antonelli and seasoned campaigner George Russell – who sit first and second in the Drivers’ Championship following the Zandvoort race. When asked by Sky Sports F1 about Verstappen’s new contract during an interview at the Dutch Grand Prix, Wolff explained, “The most important thing for us has always been clarity within the team, and we have had that for a long time.
We are fully committed to George and Kimi, and the decision to stay the course with them was a natural consequence of the situation we now find ourselves in.” He went on to describe the so‑called “silly season” – the period of driver‑market speculation that typically dominates the off‑season – as effectively over, allowing everyone to focus solely on racing. When pressed on whether the length of Verstappen’s deal – a full six‑year extension – caused any sense of loss for Mercedes, Wolff responded unequivocally: “No, not at all. We know each other well, and with Kimi and George we have the perfect set‑up and the perfect line‑up. There is no disappointment on our side.” Wolff’s apparent shift in attitude can be linked to the astonishing form that Antonelli has displayed this season.
The young Italian, who turned 20 just days before the Dutch Grand Prix, has outperformed the more experienced Russell, building a 59‑point lead at the top of the championship standings. Mercedes took a bold step by promoting Antonelli as Hamilton’s successor while he was still a teenager, a move that initially raised doubts about whether the rookie could meet the lofty expectations placed upon him. Yet his 2026 campaign has been nothing short of spectacular: after a second‑place finish in the season‑opening race, Antonelli proceeded to win five consecutive Grand Prix, shattering numerous records along the way.
This surge in performance appears to have altered Wolff’s calculus regarding the need to lure Verstappen to Mercedes. The Dutch driver’s continued presence at Red Bull no longer seems as critical to Mercedes’ title aspirations when the team already boasts a driver who is delivering dominant results and a clear championship lead.
Across the paddock, McLaren also appears content with its current driver lineup. The British squad’s pair of Lando Norris, the reigning world champion, and Oscar Piastri have together guided the team to back‑to‑back Constructors’ titles, reinforcing the notion that stability is rewarding in the modern era of Formula 1. Former Mercedes driver and Sky Sports F1 analyst Nico Rosberg weighed in on the news, praising Verstappen’s decision to stay with Red Bull. “It’s fantastic for the sport because Max is the best driver on the grid right now, and we want him to remain where he is.
He’s a phenomenal talent,” Rosberg said. He added that Verstappen had considered taking a break from the sport, but ultimately chose to stay, noting that the Dutchman had been in talks with McLaren primarily to strengthen his negotiating position with Red Bull.
Rosberg estimated that Red Bull’s offer to Verstappen likely sits in the region of £70‑90 million per year, with an approximate figure of £80 million being a realistic ballpark. Looking ahead, the Formula 1 calendar moves on to the iconic Monza circuit for the Italian Grand Prix, scheduled for September 4‑6. Fans can follow the action live on Sky Sports F1, with streaming options available through NOW without a long‑term contract. The upcoming races will test whether the current driver configurations at Mercedes and McLaren can sustain their momentum, while Red Bull will aim to capitalize on Verstappen’s continued commitment to retain its competitive edge in the championship battle.