Toto Wolff issues clear stance on Max Verstappen pursuit

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has cooled his chase of Max Verstappen ahead of the new F1 campaign.

Wolff publicly voiced his interest in signing Verstappen last year amid unrest at Red Bull, despite the Dutchman having a contract in place until the end of the 2028 season.

Mercedes was seeking a replacement for seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton, who opted to join Ferrari, and eventually settled on rookie Kimi Antonelli.

Verstappen has continued to be linked to several F1 projects ahead of the 2026 regulation switch-up.

However, Wolff has stated he is happy with his current line-up despite his public pursuit of the Red Bull driver last year. 

“We need to concentrate on our driver line-up,” Wolff told media including RacingNews365. “We need to do the best that we can.

“I don't flirt outside if I'm in a good relationship, and that is true for this year, too.

“At the moment that [signing Verstappen] is not on any radar.

“I don't like to shift my concentration away from these guys [Russell and Antonelli].”

Toto Wolff details Antonelli rookie management

Antonelli will make his grand prix debut for Mercedes this weekend in Australia after spiralling his way up the junior categories en route to F1.

The Italian has been hailed by Mercedes for his raw talent and speed which has seen him win various titles during his careers.

When asked how he will manage having a rookie in the team, Wolff asserted it will be no different to how he treats a veteran driver.

“I think the most important [thing], you need to be authentic [to] who you are,” Wolff said.

“It's never been trying to be everybody else than [who] I am. You need to be emotionally stable to be a good partner.

“That means having various heads at various times. It's from being the friend, the racing father, the coach, the mentor, whatever it is - it's about providing a framework to the drivers.

“I don't make a difference between Kimi as a rookie and George for them to operate best and to have them in the best frame of mind, whether this is pressure or releasing pressure.”