Wolff not 'flirting' with Verstappen over potential Mercedes F1 switch

Mercedes Formula 1 boss Toto Wolff has revealed zero negotiations have been held with Max Verstappen, claiming he is “super happy” with his current driver pairing.

The future of the four-time world champion is currently in doubt due to Red Bull’s competitive decline, and Mercedes has been touted as a possible destination for Verstappen.

Mercedes famously missed out on signing him in 2014 when a 17-year-old Verstappen opted to join the Red Bull fold to make his F1 debut.

Initial talks between both parties reignited last summer when Mercedes was searching for its Lewis Hamilton replacement, but negotiations never went further.

The Silver Arrows eventually partnered George Russell with rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli for 2025, but last year Wolff claimed he had a “feeling” the paths of Mercedes and Verstappen would eventually cross.

When asked by Sky Sports F1 if he would immediately jump at the chance of signing Verstappen, the Austrian replied: “No I wouldn’t say that. I always say I don’t flirt outside if I’m happy in the relationship, professionally.

“I’m super happy with the line-up that we have. I couldn’t wish for anything better, and Max is at Red Bull, we haven’t had a conversation, we’re continuing our trajectory.”

Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing

Photo by: Red Bull Content Pool

If Verstappen were to join Mercedes then it would likely be in place of Russell, whose contract expires at the end of this year.

But the three-time grand prix winner has seriously impressed in 2025, claiming three podiums across the opening four rounds and is fourth in the championship. It is understood that this form has led to Russell being set for a contract renewal.

“He’s doing a top job,” said Wolff. “He was a little bit always, I wouldn’t say underrated because he’s such a stoic person…people talked about Lewis or talked about Max.

“Now you can see how he’s delivering. He’s performing to the maximum and he’s doing really great.”

Antonelli has also impressed in his rookie campaign, sitting sixth in the championship, yet Wolff said it’s still a “learning” process for the 18-year-old.

“It’s a trajectory,” Wolff added. “George’s level is very high and this is Formula 1, I always say to him [Antonelli], ‘you’d never been exposed to such a field of the best drivers in the world’.

“So it would have been weird him coming in being on George’s pace because that would have meant George was not on the max level…George is.”