Toto Wolff says that George Russell’s future is with Mercedes
Already with the dust settled on the Max Verstappen theme, the director of Mercedes clarifies the situation of his alignment
Toto Wolff He accepted that he needed to talk to Max Verstappen About a possible transfer to Mercedesbut now I was happy to ensure the future of George Russell In the team.
Max Verstappen He confirmed for the first time that he would continue with Red Bull before Hungary Grand Prix last weekend, ending speculation about their possible transfer to Mercedes before the 2026 season.
Mercedes And Wolff did not hide their desire to sign the world’s tetracampeon, which fed rumors that Russell, whose contract ends at the end of this season, could lose his post.
The team director, Toto WolffHe admitted that the possible availability of Verstappen, 27, had to be explored.
“I have always said that I am happy with my team, with Russell and Kimi Antonellibut suddenly Max’s future became uncertain, so we also talked to him, “Wolff told the Gazzetta dello Sport.
But I have always been very clear with George: 90% of the time would stay with us, but I also needed to talk to Verstappen. Now the situation is clear and everything can return to normal.
Verstappen had a termination clause of his contract with Red Bull that can no longer be activated. The confirmation of his permanence in the team came 23 days after Christian Horner discovered that he had been dismissed as director and CEO of Red Bull.
George RusselL got his sixth podium of the season in Hungaroring and has shone with an inconsistent Mercedes, while assuming the team’s leadership with the 18 -year -old Italian rookie, Antonelli, after signing Lewis Hamilton by Ferrari.
Hamilton, who won six of his seven world championships with Wolff in MercedesHe had another difficult weekend with the Scuderia and defined “useless” after the classification.
The depressed 40 -year -old pilot said Ferrari should change pilot, but Wolff is convinced that he will recover from his first season’s problems with the rampant cavallino.
“It is characteristic of the greats: if they know they have not lived up, they do not blame the team, but look in. Once this moment is overcome, it will return with the same motivation of always,” Wolff said.
The Formula 1 It will have a new regulation for next season, with important changes in the power unit and aerodynamic standards that will end the era of the soil effect, in which Mercedes has had difficulty matching Red Bull And this season, to McLaren.
Wolff is optimistic that his team will be stronger next season and admitted that he would love the opportunity to face a battle for the title with Hamilton and Ferrari.
“See a Ferrari against Mercedes It would be fantastic, “Wolff added.” I have no doubt that this duel will occur, next year or in the future. We will live it and it will be fantastic. “
