4-time F1 champion Max Verstappen has been linked to the Mercedes seat since final 12 months, when Toto Wolff was on the lookout for Lewis Hamilton’s alternative. Though Kimi Antonelli was signed by Wolff, George Russell’s present Mercedes contract is now up for renewal. Amid all this, the Mercedes CEO’s reply, when he was questioned on whether or not he’s in talks with Verstappen, has triggered attention-grabbing reactions from followers on-line.

George Russell’s Mercedes contract will run out at the finish of the present season. Halfway into the season, Mercedes nonetheless hasn’t supplied Russell an extension, and the two events are nonetheless in talks over it. Forward of the Austrian GP, Russell got here out and stated that Toto Wolff’s dialog with Max Verstappen’s camp is ‘solely regular’.

Whereas talking to Sky Sports activities F1, Toto Wolff confirmed his dialog with Verstappen’s camp, but additionally stated he’s pleased along with his present driver lineup. Mercedes group boss stated:

“It is logical that you just discover and take a look at what can occur in the future. However that does not change my opinion about George and Kimi Antonelli. I am very pleased with our present line-up.”

“For no matter cause, we all the time see tales in the media about contract negotiations throughout this era. Typically additionally pushed by a ignorance. Such discussions don’t happen publicly, however behind closed doorways. I do not need to say an excessive amount of extra about it,” added Toto Wolff.

The Mercedes Crew Principal’s non-committal reply to the speculations round Max Verstappen’s Mercedes transfer sparked a response from the followers.

“They are definitely speaking 😂,” talked about a fan on X.

“Toto confirms what George Russell stated yesterday,” wrote one other.

“Max to merc, George to Ferrari, Charles to Crimson bull,” one other person commented.

Some followers got here out and detailed how massive of a signing Max Verstappen could be for Mercedes if Toto Wolff can signal the Dutch driver.

“Can be an enormous signing for Mercedes. I would be shocked if Crimson Bull let that occur although. Finish of an period,” wrote a fan.

“Clearly however do not see it till 2027,” wrote another.

“Mercedes want to construct a aggressive automotive so as to signal ✍️ Max Verstappen,” one other person mentioned.

After a dominating victory at the latest Canadian Grand Prix, George Russell finds himself solely 19 factors behind Max Verstappen in the Drivers’ Championship standings this season.

What did George Russell say about the dialog between Max Verstappen and Toto Wolff concerning a possible transfer to Mercedes?

Max Verstappen at present has a contract with Crimson Bull till the finish of the 2028 season. Nonetheless, reviews counsel there are launch clauses in the contract that may be activated for the Dutchman to make a transfer to Mercedes.

Forward of the Austrian GP, Russell prompt that it’s regular for his group boss to have conversations with a driver like Verstappen. He stated by way of Sky Sports activities:

“It is solely regular that conversations with the likes of Verstappen are ongoing. However from my aspect, if I am performing as I am doing, what have I obtained to be involved about? There are two seats in each Method 1 group.”

Toto Wolff’s latest feedback solely verify what George Russell stated about the conversations between the Mercedes boss and Verstappen forward of the Austrian GP.