4-time F1 champion Max Verstappen has been linked to the Mercedes seat since final 12 months, when Toto Wolff was searching for Lewis Hamilton’s alternative. Though Kimi Antonelli was signed by Wolff, George Russell’s present Mercedes contract is now up for renewal. Amid all this, the Mercedes CEO’s reply, when he was questioned on whether or not he’s in talks with Verstappen, has triggered fascinating reactions from followers on-line.
George Russell’s Mercedes contract will run out on the finish of the present season. Halfway into the season, Mercedes nonetheless hasn’t supplied Russell an extension, and the 2 events are nonetheless in talks over it. Forward of the Austrian GP, Russell got here out and stated that Toto Wolff’s dialog with Max Verstappen’s camp is ‘solely regular’.
Whereas chatting with Sky Sports activities F1, Toto Wolff confirmed his dialog with Verstappen’s camp, but in addition stated he’s completely satisfied along with his present driver lineup. Mercedes workforce boss stated:
“It is logical that you just discover and have a look at what can occur sooner or later. However that does not change my opinion about George and Kimi Antonelli. I am very pleased with our present line-up.”
“For no matter cause, we at all times see tales within the media about contract negotiations throughout this era. Typically additionally pushed by a ignorance. Such discussions don’t happen publicly, however behind closed doorways. I do not need to say an excessive amount of extra about it,” added Toto Wolff.
The Mercedes Group Principal’s non-committal reply to the speculations round Max Verstappen’s Mercedes transfer sparked a response from the followers.
“They’re positively speaking 😂,” talked about a fan on X.
“Toto confirms what George Russell stated yesterday,” wrote one other.
“Max to merc, George to Ferrari, Charles to Pink bull,” one other consumer commented.
Some followers got here out and detailed how massive of a signing Max Verstappen could be for Mercedes if Toto Wolff can signal the Dutch driver.
“Can be an enormous signing for Mercedes. I might be shocked if Pink Bull let that occur although. Finish of an period,” wrote a fan.
“Clearly however do not see it till 2027,” wrote one other.
“Mercedes have to construct a aggressive automotive with the intention to signal ✍️ Max Verstappen,” one other consumer talked about.
After a dominating victory on the latest Canadian Grand Prix, George Russell finds himself solely 19 factors behind Max Verstappen within the Drivers’ Championship standings this season.
What did George Russell say in regards to the dialog between Max Verstappen and Toto Wolff relating to a possible transfer to Mercedes?
Max Verstappen presently has a contract with Pink Bull till the tip of the 2028 season. Nevertheless, stories recommend there are launch clauses within the contract that may be activated for the Dutchman to make a transfer to Mercedes.
Forward of the Austrian GP, Russell steered that it’s regular for his workforce boss to have conversations with a driver like Verstappen. He stated by way of Sky Sports activities:
“It is solely regular that conversations with the likes of Verstappen are ongoing. However from my facet, if I am performing as I am doing, what have I obtained to be involved about? There are two seats in each Formulation 1 workforce.”
Toto Wolff’s latest feedback solely verify what George Russell stated in regards to the conversations between the Mercedes boss and Verstappen forward of the Austrian GP.
alt=”Pranay Bhagi” peak=”72″ width=”72″>
Edited by Sumeet Kavthale