Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has named George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli as the team's priority for the 2026 Formula One season. The revelation comes after Max Verstappen was strongly linked to Mercedes.

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has appeared to rule out a move to sign Max Verstappen for 2026, as he reiterated his desire to retain the team’s current Formula 1 line-up. There have been widespread reports that Verstappen could be Mercedes-bound since George Russell divulged that the two parties are engaged in active discussions.

Speculation of Max Verstappen leaving Red Bull will go back on hold for another year. Chatter has persisted about the four-time Formula One champion leaving Red Bull amid interest from Mercedes. Although Verstappen is under contract through 2028,