Verstappen’s Red Bull future ends Mercedes speculation as Wolff backs Antonelli and Russell

Wolff insists Mercedes are happy with their current line-up

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has welcomed Max Verstappen’s decision to commit his future to Red Bull, insisting there is no disappointment at missing out on the four-time world champion.

Speaking to Sky Sports F1 at the Dutch Grand Prix, Wolff said Mercedes had already made its position clear by committing to George Russell and Kimi Antonelli. Verstappen’s new Red Bull deal therefore represented a “logical consequence” rather than a setback for the German manufacturer.

“Silly season is officially cancelled now, and everybody can concentrate on the racing,” Wolff said.

Asked whether he was disappointed by the length of Verstappen’s commitment to Red Bull, Wolff was emphatic: “No, not at all.” He added that he believed Russell and Antonelli represented the “perfect set-up” for Mercedes.

Antonelli’s remarkable 2026 season changes the picture

Mercedes’ confidence in its current pairing has been strengthened considerably by Antonelli’s outstanding 2026 campaign.

The Italian, who recently turned 20, has emerged as one of the biggest stories of the season. After finishing second in the opening race, Antonelli went on to win five consecutive Grands Prix, establishing a commanding 59-point advantage over Russell in the championship.

His performances have transformed the conversation around Mercedes’ future. Having initially faced questions over whether he could fulfil the potential that convinced the team to promote him as a teenager, Antonelli has now established himself as a genuine title contender.

His rapid development may also have reduced the need for Mercedes to pursue Verstappen, even if the Dutchman had remained available.

Rosberg questions whether Verstappen had other options

Former F1 world champion Nico Rosberg believes Verstappen’s decision to remain with Red Bull may have been driven partly by the lack of a realistic alternative.

Rosberg suggested Verstappen had held discussions with McLaren but argued that those talks may have been designed primarily to strengthen his negotiating position with Red Bull.

“I don't think he had any options,” Rosberg said, adding that Red Bull needed stability and would therefore have been motivated to offer Verstappen a lucrative new contract.

Rosberg estimated Verstappen's annual package could fall within a range of £70m to £90m, suggesting a figure around £80m could ultimately have been agreed.

Mercedes can now focus fully on its current drivers

With Verstappen’s future settled, Wolff believes the uncertainty surrounding the driver market can finally disappear and teams can concentrate on the remainder of the championship.

For Mercedes, the immediate priority is clear: continue developing Antonelli and Russell and maximise their chances in the title fight. Antonelli’s remarkable progress has already justified the faith placed in him, while Russell remains an established member of the team's long-term plans.

Verstappen staying at Red Bull therefore closes one of the biggest potential transfer stories in Formula 1 — and Mercedes appear increasingly comfortable knowing they already have a pairing capable of challenging for the biggest prizes.