Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team Principal Toto Wolff has finally cleared the air over the rumours on whether he has been trying to get his hands on Max Verstappen for the 2026 season. Wolff has denied any speculation over the matter,

But, both parties would later distance themselves from the idea of joining forces, Verstappen going on to secure a fourth consecutive World Championship, while Mercedes named their 18-year-old academy graduate Kimi Antonelli as Lewis Hamilton’s replacement, as the seven-time champion departed for Ferrari.

Mercedes team principal and chief executive Toto Wolff has denied rumors on the eve of the Australian Grand Prix weekend that he’s still seeking to sign reigning F1 world champion Max Verstappen for 2026.

Live text updates on the BBC Sport website and app Mercedes Formula 1 boss Toto Wolff says a pitch to sign Max Verstappen for 2026 is "not on any radar". George Russell's Mercedes contract runs out at the end of this season and Wolff had talks with Verstappen last year before opting for Italian 18-year-old rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli as a replacement for Lewis Hamilton,

The current driver line-up of Mercedes for the 2025 season will see it have rookie prospect Andrea Kimi Antonelli taking up a spot along with George Russell.

Mercedes CEO and team principal Wolff also reveals Max Verstappen is not on the Brackley squad's radar - for now

Saying he does not ‘flirt outside if I am in a good relationship’, Wolff says he will focus on his drivers George Russell, Kimi Antonelli.

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff said thoughts of pursuing four-time world champion Max Verstappen is no longer on his radar and that talks to extend George Russell's contract will take place most likely in the summer.