Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff responds to the ongoing rumors about a potential Mercedes switch for Max Verstappen. The rumors have been circulating in the paddock for some time, and the two are even said to have met in Sardinia to discuss a potential move for the four-time world champion. However, Wolff reveals that it is Mercedes’ ‘absolute priority’ to continue with George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli.
Ever since George Russell let slip in Austria that Mercedes is indeed in talks with Max Verstappen, the rumor mill has been in overdrive. Verstappen’s private jet and yachts, as well as team boss Toto Wolff’s, were even tracked by observant fans on social media to the Italian island of Sardinia. Naturally, a potential switch to Mercedes for the four-time world champion was also a topic of discussion ahead of the race weekend at Spa.
However, Wolff now confirms that the priority within his team is not on the Dutchman. “Conversations have been held over the past weeks and months, so everyone is aware,” the team boss reveals to ORF. “For us, the course is clear: we want to continue with George and Kimi. That is the absolute priority.” Wolff does not seem to want to completely rule out a future collaboration with Verstappen. “You can’t ignore someone like Max and his future plans. We’ve looked at it, but I don’t think there will be any big surprises.”
Sardinia
The Austrian was also asked about the rumors that he had met Verstappen in Sardinia. There were even manipulated photos circulating of the supposed moment when Wolff boarded Verstappen’s private jet. “It’s new that people are now making photo collages with airplanes. We’ve never had that before,” Wolff continues. “But just because you happen to spend your vacation in the same place, doesn’t mean you’re going to work together in Formula 1. We get along well and coincidentally we like to spend our vacations in the same places.”
