Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has made it clear that he feels absolutely no disappointment over Max Verstappen’s decision to sign a new, long‑term deal 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 Verstappen, a four‑time world champion, was set to defend his home race. Red Bull put an end to months of speculation about the Dutch driver’s future by confirming the extension, which supersedes his previous agreement that was due to expire at the end of 2028. Under the earlier contract, a series of exit clauses would have allowed Verstappen to leave the team as early as 2027, and rumours about potential moves to Mercedes or McLaren had been swirling throughout the off‑season.
Wolff’s interest in Verstappen became public after Lewis Hamilton announced in February 2024 that he would leave Mercedes for Ferrari in 2025. The Mercedes boss hinted that the Dutchman could be a target for his squad, and he even pursued the idea of signing Verstappen during the previous season. However, in recent weeks Wolff has repeatedly emphasized his satisfaction with the current Mercedes driver line‑up, which now consists of the teenage sensation Kimi Antonelli and the experienced George Russell. After the Zandvoort race, both drivers sit at the top of the Drivers’ Championship, occupying the first and second positions respectively.
When asked by Sky Sports F1 about Verstappen’s new contract, Wolff responded: “The most important thing for us has always been clarity within the team, and we’ve had that for a long time. We are fully committed to George and Kimi, and the decision regarding Max was simply a logical consequence of the situation we find ourselves in.” He went on to describe the current period as the end of the so‑called “silly season,” adding that teams can now focus entirely on racing without the distraction of driver speculation. When pressed on whether the length of Verstappen’s deal – now a twelve‑year commitment – caused any sense of loss for Mercedes, Wolff was unequivocal: “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, so there is no disappointment.” Wolff’s shift away from pursuing Verstappen appears to be heavily influenced by Antonelli’s spectacular form. The 20‑year‑old Italian, who turned 20 just days before the Dutch Grand Prix, has outperformed the more seasoned Russell, building a 59‑point lead at the top of the standings.
Mercedes took a bold step by fast‑tracking Antonelli into the seat vacated by Hamilton, despite the rookie’s uneven debut season that had raised doubts about his ability to meet the high expectations placed on him. Yet his 2026 campaign has been nothing short of record‑breaking: he has won five consecutive races after finishing runner‑up in the season opener, shattered numerous lap‑time benchmarks, and demonstrated a maturity beyond his years. This remarkable performance may have convinced Wolff that the team does not need to chase a star like Verstappen to remain competitive.
Instead, the focus is on nurturing Antonelli’s talent while leveraging Russell’s experience to secure both drivers’ championships. The stability of this driver pairing also aligns with Mercedes’ broader strategic goals, which include developing a new power unit architecture for the 2026 regulation changes and maintaining a strong presence in the Constructors’ Championship. Across the paddock, other teams are also content with their current line‑ups. McLaren, for example, has stuck with reigning champion Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, a combination that has propelled the Woking outfit to consecutive constructors’ titles.
The stability of these pairings suggests a trend toward continuity rather than the high‑profile driver swaps that dominated previous seasons. Former Mercedes driver and current Sky Sports F1 analyst Nico Rosberg weighed in on the news, praising Verstappen’s decision to stay with Red Bull. “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 was even considering taking a break from the sport, so this is great news,” Rosberg said.
He added that Verstappen’s negotiations with other teams, such as McLaren, were likely a tactic to strengthen his bargaining position with Red Bull. “Red Bull needed stability, so they offered him a substantial raise – somewhere between £70 million and £90 million a year – and they settled on roughly £80 million, which is an enormous sum.” Looking ahead, the championship will move to Monza for the Italian Grand Prix on September 4‑6, where Ferrari will host the race at its home circuit. The event will be broadcast live on Sky Sports F1, with streaming options available through NOW without a long‑term contract.
As the season progresses, the focus will shift from driver rumours to on‑track battles, with Mercedes hoping that the Antonelli‑Russell partnership can continue to challenge Red Bull’s dominance, while Red Bull aims to keep Verstappen at the helm of a team that has become synonymous with his success.