Toto Wolff snaps back at latest Max Verstappen rumour

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has criticised the latest rumour linking Max Verstappen to a drive at his squad.

During the first half of the 2025 campaign, Verstappen was labelled as a potential option for Mercedes, with Wolff publicly declaring his interest in the four-time champion.

The speculation intensified when it became known that Verstappen had a performance clause in his contract and Red Bull endured a slip in form midway through the season.

But when the clause expired in July last year, the reports tying the two parties together died down before confirmation came that Mercedes had extended with George Russell and Kimi Antonelli.

After the Brackley-based squad's electrifying start to the new season, it has led to fresh speculation - with former F1 driver Jolyon Palmer stating talks between Verstappen and Wolff are “going to happen”.

Speaking to oe24, Wolff shut down the gossip, stating: “The astonishing thing is that these silly rumours are already surfacing in March.  

“It's silly enough that you normally have to discuss these things in July. I don't know who brought this up again.”

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Wolff reveals 'multi-year' deals for Russell and Antonelli

Russell and Antonelli have taken one win apiece at the start of the new season as Mercedes enjoys a healthy lead over the competition.

When both drivers were announced for 2026 late last year, Mercedes made no mention of how long the extensions were in place for.

However, Wolff has now seemed to confirm that both competitors have lasting security within the team.

“We have two drivers with whom we have long-term, multi-year contracts,” Wolff said. 

“I couldn't be happier with either of them. Both are delivering top performances, so there's absolutely no reason to even consider a lineup change, or other drivers. 

“I say this with the utmost respect for Max.”