Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has made it clear that he feels no disappointment whatsoever about Max Verstappen’s decision to sign a new long‑term deal with Red Bull Racing 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, will be defending his home race.
Red Bull put an end to weeks of speculation about the Dutch driver’s future by confirming the extension. Verstappen’s previous contract was set to expire at the end of 2028, but it contained exit clauses that would have allowed him to leave as early as 2027.
Rumours about a possible move to Mercedes or McLaren swirled throughout the 2026 season, especially after Lewis Hamilton announced in February 2024 that he would leave Mercedes for Ferrari starting in 2025. In response, Wolff launched a very public campaign to persuade Verstappen to join the Silver Arrows, and he appeared to keep the door open for the Dutch star throughout the latter part of the 2025 campaign. Despite those overtures, Wolff has repeatedly emphasized his confidence in the current Mercedes driver lineup: young Italian sensation Kimi Antonelli and seasoned teammate George Russell.
After the Zandvoort race, Antonelli sits atop the Drivers’ Championship, with Russell right behind him in second place. When asked by Sky Sports F1 about Verstappen’s new contract, Wolff said, “The most important thing for us has been clarity within the team for a long time.
We are fully committed to George and Kimi, and the decision by Max is simply a logical outcome of the situation we find ourselves in.” He went on to describe the so‑called “silly season” – the period when drivers and teams negotiate contracts – as effectively over. “Now everyone can focus on the racing,” Wolff added, underscoring his belief that the championship should be decided on track, not in boardrooms.
When pressed on whether he felt any regret that Verstappen has tied himself to Red Bull for the next four years, Wolff responded unequivocally: “No, not at all. We know each other well, and with Kimi and George we have the perfect setup and the perfect line‑up, so there is no disappointment.” This calm stance appears to be influenced by Antonelli’s meteoric rise.
The 20‑year‑old Italian has outperformed the more experienced Russell, building a 59‑point lead at the top of the standings after the Dutch Grand Prix. His record‑breaking run – five consecutive victories following a runner‑up finish in the season opener – has forced many to reassess the necessity of trying to lure Verstappen away from Red Bull. Mercedes took a bold step last season by promoting Antonelli directly into a race seat, effectively replacing Hamilton as a teenager.
While his rookie year was marked by inconsistency and raised questions about his ability to meet the lofty expectations placed on him, his 2026 form has been nothing short of spectacular. He shattered multiple records, demonstrated an uncanny race‑craft, and consistently delivered podium finishes. This surge in performance has given Wolff a solid reason to stay the course with his existing drivers rather than gamble on a high‑profile poaching move. Meanwhile, McLaren seems satisfied with its own driver pairing of reigning world champion Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.
The duo has helped the Woking‑based team secure back‑to‑back Constructors’ Championships, further reducing the urgency for any major driver reshuffle in the midfield. Former Mercedes driver and current Sky Sports F1 analyst Nico Rosberg praised Verstappen’s decision to stay with Red Bull, calling it “fantastic news for Formula 1.” Rosberg highlighted Verstappen’s status as the sport’s top talent, noting that the Dutchman had even considered stepping away from the sport for a period. “He was in talks with McLaren, but that was likely just a negotiating tactic to strengthen his position at Red Bull,” Rosberg explained.
He added that Red Bull offered Verstappen a substantial salary package – estimated between £70 million and £90 million per year, with a likely figure around £80 million – underscoring the financial stability the team can provide. In summary, Wolff’s lack of disappointment reflects a broader strategic confidence within Mercedes. The team is content with a driver lineup that is currently dominating the championship, and the extended contract for Verstappen simply confirms Red Bull’s commitment to retaining its star. As the season moves forward to the iconic Monza circuit for the Italian Grand Prix, fans can expect the focus to remain firmly on on‑track battles rather than off‑track speculation.