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 claimed he made a promise to Lewis Hamilton to not approach Max Verstappen for a move to Mercedes while the British driver was still at the team, in the latest season of Drive to Survive.

Toto Wolff has promised George Russell contract talks and says he's no longer chasing Max Verstappen, but Mercedes would be foolish not to consider the Dutchman should he become available

Toto Wolff has ruled out making a move for Max Verstappen this season, stating that the Dutchman is 'not on any radar' for Mercedes. Instead, the Austrian plans to 'concentrate on his own line-up' for the 2025 campaign after bringing in teenage sensation Kimi Antonelli to replace the Ferrari -bound Lewis Hamilton last term.

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 says 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,

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.