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.

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.

Toto Wolff has issued an update regarding his Mercedes team's pursuit of Red Bull F1 star Max Verstappen. Four-time world champion Verstappen was linked with a move to Mercedes throughout 2024, following Lewis Hamilton's decision to ditch the team and instead join Ferrari.

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.

Toto Wolff, el director del equipo Mercedes, desmintió los rumores en la víspera del fin de semana del Gran Premio de Australia de que tiene la

Toto Wolff has put an end to the speculation surrounding a potential move for Max Verstappen to Mercedes. The team boss has stated that he is satisfied with his current driver lineup, consisting of George Russell and rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli,