Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has stated he is not in conversation with Max Verstappen over a drive at the team going forward. However, the Austrian is continuing to delay his decision for as long as possible in order to ensure the best situation for the Mercedes team. Amid unrest at the Red Bull camp at the start of the year, Verstappen became increasingly linked with a switch to the Brackley-based outfit. Wolff was vocal in his desire to lure Verstappen to his squad with Lewis Hamilton opting to depart in favour of Ferrari. Rumours of Verstappen's potential tie-up with Mercedes came despite the three-time world champion having a contract in place until the end of the 2028 campaign. But Wolff has stated that talks are not currently taking place with Verstappen. “There are no talks that are taking place at that stage,” Wolff told media including RacingNews365 . “I think we need to look at ourselves and on improving the car.”
Wolff delaying Mercedes decision
Carlos Sainz was linked with a drive at Mercedes earlier in the season, however it now seems the Spaniard is set to choose between Williams and Stake/Audi. Mercedes' junior protégé Kimi Antonelli is currently believed to be the favourite to step into Hamilton's seat next year. However, Wolff asserted he is keeping his options open and is not rushing to make a decision in the near future. “No driver decision has been made,” he stated. “We want to keep this decision as long as possible. Because who knows what happens?”
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