Toto Wolff makes pledge after Max Verstappen talks: 'Learn from the mistake'

Toto Wolff has insisted he will “learn from the mistake” of causing doubt over the futures of his drivers following a drawn-out negotiation period.

Mercedes finally confirmed earlier this week that George Russell and Kimi Antonelli will remain put next year.

The extensions come after a long period of speculation over the line-up when Max Verstappen was heavily linked with a shock move to the team.

The four-time champion endured a difficult start to the year but confirmed at the end of July that he would remain at Red Bull next year.

When asked by Sky F1 what his strategy was when negotiating with both Russell and Verstappen, Wolff said: “The truth is, you've got to learn from the mistake. 

“There wasn't any on-purpose flirting. It's just a coincidence. It was clear that you needed to have that conversation.

“We ended up in the same place in the summer, which obviously doesn't look good and is destabilising for everyone. 

“But that's the past. Now, everything is cleared, contracts are signed, and we move forward.”

Wolff has suggested in the past that he would not be afraid to field Verstappen and Russell alongside one another - despite the fireworks that may come with such a blockbuster line-up.

However, the Austrian would not be drawn into fresh speculation regarding the two joining forces as he highlighted his long-term faith in the Russell-Antonelli pairing.

“It would certainly be good entertainment for everyone!” Wolff expressed.

“But we don't want to create any rumours here. Kimi and George is what we want to do in the future and going forward. And it's a good line-up.”