Toto Wolff has no plans to sign Max Verstappen this season (Image: Getty)
has ruled out making a move for this season, stating that the Dutchman is ‘not on any radar’ for . Instead, the Austrian plans to ‘concentrate on his own line-up’ for the 2025 campaign after bringing in teenage sensation to replace the -bound last term.
The Silver Arrows’ boss also wants to start contract talks with before the 2026 F1 silly season kicks in. Wolff declined to give an exact timeline but said that there are plans to address the deal ‘before the summer’. The 27-year-old is out of contract at the end of the 2025 campaign as things stand.
“We need to concentrate on our driver line-up,” Wolff told the media ahead of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix. “I don’t flirt outside if I’m in a good relationship.
“So, at the moment, that (signing Verstappen) is not on any radar. I don’t plan to shift my concentration away from these guys and make sure that George has some visibility very soon, or has a contract very soon.”
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Verstappen is no longer a target for Mercedes (Image: Getty)
Wolff then turned his attention to Russell’s contract status. “We have had a chat a few weeks ago about what the right timing would be to liaise,” he continued. “I’m someone who sticks to what he says, and these two are the combination that I want to go forward with . I have no other reasons to doubt that.
“We’re going to find some time, I guess, before the summer. I need to be careful what I say to you, because you will, every month probably, ask when have those discussions happened. But we will do that in a timely manner without disrupting the season.”
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On Russell’s side, there is no pressure. The Brit ended the 2024 season in fine form and is now seen as the team leader at Brackley after Hamilton’s exit. “I think for both of us, we’ve had such a long-term relationship, so much trust between one another,” he explained.
“We’re focused on getting back on top, and trying to win races and championships. To be honest, in this sport, performance speaks. So from my side, there’s no pressure. I’ve got no doubts about myself, and everything falls into place when the timing is right. As I said, we’ve got bigger fish to fry right now, which is getting us back on top.”