Toto Wolff has confirmed that Mercedes is exploring the possibility of signing Max Verstappen in the future but insists it is not impacting ongoing contract talks with George Russell for 2026.

Toto Wolff has insisted that George Russell remains at the “top of the list” to race for Mercedes in the F1 2026 season despite the team’s interest in Max Verstappen. It comes after Russell claimed that negotiations between Mercedes and Verstappen are “ongoing” with a view to an agreement for next season.

Toto Wolff, the Mercedes team principal, has reignited talk of Max Verstappen potentially joining his team by admitting that he is having “conversations” with Red Bull’s four-time world champion with regard to a future drive.