Wolff refuses to rule out future 'flirting' with Verstappen

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has stated his drivers will be aware if “flirting” occurs with Max Verstappen over a future F1 seat at the team.

The Brackley-based squad has confirmed Andrea Kimi Antonelli has been signed up to race for the outfit next year alongside George Russell.

However, Mercedes' official announcement did not mention the 2026 campaign, when a fresh set of technical regulations will greet the sport.

Max Verstappen was linked with a move to Mercedes for much of the year as Wolff went public in his pursuit of the Red Bull driver, asserting confidence that the pair will cross paths during their careers.

Speaking to media including RacingNews365, Wolff signalled that Russell and Antonelli will be privy to any discussions with other drivers.

“What I have to share in dealing with them, it's just very straightforward and transparent,” he said.

“I've always said it, I got caught out by the Lewis [Hamilton] situation, but I've not entertained any discussions with any drivers when giving it all from the team to make it a success.

“This is why all of our focus in the team is on George and Kimi. That's what I also said. There's no discussion, there's no second thoughts about what we're doing in 2026 because now it's about 2024 and 2025.

“If flirting outside happens, then they will know it at the same time when we have those discussions. I’ve always been that open.”

Wolff hints at Mercedes contract 'options'

Verstappen's links to Mercedes began when an intra-team power struggle emerged earlier this year at Red Bull despite its strong start to the campaign.

The Dutchman has a contract in place until 2028 but exit clauses are believed to exist within the deal. 

Wolff hinted that “options” are also in place at Mercedes regarding the contracts of Russell - whose current deal is believed to expire at the end of next year - and Antonelli.

When asked if Antonelli's deal runs beyond the end of the 2025 season, Wolff replied: “These two are the future. 

“They have been and will be Mercedes drivers and therefore we have contracts with George and Kimi that go much longer, that are very complicated in terms of options. 

“This is a pressure cooker. Mercedes always has been a pressure cooker. But this is where we stand as a team today. We want to go with these two.”