Toto Wolff said signing Max Verstappen is no longer on Mercedes' "radar" as he prepares to enter talks to extend George Russell's contract with the team. After Lewis Hamilton announced he was leaving Mercedes to move to Ferrari in 2025,

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff ruled out renewing interest in a move for reigning four-time World Champion Max Verstappen. And in-line with his commitment to George Russell and Kimi Antonelli as the future for Mercedes in F1,

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, who has moved to Ferrari.

Max Verstappen and George Russell were involved in an awkward exchange having both got themselves up onto the podium at the Australian Grand Prix. The pair were embroiled in a heated dispute at the end of the 2024 season, after Verstappen was unhappy with Russell's behaviour having been given a penalty after qualifying for the Qatar GP.

Lando Norris and teammate Oscar Piastri slid onto the grass in an eventful F1 race in Melbourne. Lewis Hamilton finished 10th in Ferrari debut.

Lando Norris's win ended Max Verstappen's long run at the top of the championship standings dating back to May 2022.