Mercedes had no talks with Verstappen, says Wolff

Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff says they have had no talks with Max Verstappen over a potential switch as they are "super happy" with their Formula One line-up.

George Russell is out of contract at Mercedes at the end of the year, with some reports suggesting the team will try to bring in the four-time champion.

The Brit is just six points behind third-placed Verstappen in the drivers' standings ahead of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix on Sunday.

The Dutchman will be on pole for that race, after pipping the McLarens of Lando Norris, who crashed, and Oscar Piastri, while Russell will start from third on the grid.

Wolff was full of praise for Russell's performances in 2025, having finished on the podium in three of the four races so far, and insisted Mercedes have not been looking elsewhere.

"I always say I don't flirt outside if I'm happy in the relationship on a professional level," Wolff said of his drivers.

"I'm super happy with the line-up we have, I couldn't wish for anything better. Max is at Red Bull. We haven't had a conversation, we are continuing our trajectory.

"[Russell]'s been performing in the car to the maximum and is doing great. George is on Max's level."

That’s P3 for George and a strong lap for Kimi who qualifies P5 in JeddahTomorrow we go racing in Saudi Arabia pic.twitter.com/AR91vmiEjL
— Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@MercedesAMGF1) April 19, 2025

Wolff spoke of his interest in signing Verstappen last year when Mercedes were searching for a replacement for Lewis Hamilton, who joined Ferrari at the start of this season.

Instead, 18-year-old Kimi Antonelli took the seven-time champions' place and has already set records as the youngest F1 driver to lead a race and set the fastest lap.

Verstappen's future was initially brought to light after comments from Red Bull's motorsport consultant Helmut Marko suggested he could leave at the end of the season, but team principal Christian Horner is confident he will still be at the team in 2026.