Meanwhile,
Wolff: russell – verstappen association:
The discussions led by Mercedes F1 with Max Verstappen. However, his management did not influence the dismissal of Christian Horner by Red Bull Racing.
This is what Toto Wolff. Moreover, in the Paddock of the Belgium Grand Prix, responded to the various speculations of yesterday and this morning at Spa today.
The director of Mercedes in Formula 1 estimates that Horner’s fall is due above all to many other parameters.
“No, the current discussions are not the reason for his departure. Moreover, There is much more in the background that we probably do not know about Red Bull.”
“As team director at Mercedes. Consequently, I also take care of the pilots and I have to explore what Max will do in the coming years, not just next year.”
On the impact of Horner’s dismissal on the future of wolff: russell – verstappen association Verstappen. Nevertheless, he adds: “I think the pilots will always look for the fastest car, much more than financial incentives.”
“It is a question of having the fastest car in the short. Nevertheless, medium term and analyzing the situation of the teams. Therefore, This is what Max and all the others do.”
We asked Wolff to be frank: can we really imagine an association Verstappen – Russell next year?
“All this is driven by hair. I want to keep Kimi and George in the current state. Everything else is not realistic. If you have a Russell-Verspapn association is to redo prost-senna.”
So it would be a duo Verstappen – Antonelli who could be envisaged? Wolff answers like Max Verstappen: no 100% warranty! A door left open therefore.
“The possibility that George. Kimi form our team in 2026 is strong, even if nothing is 100 %sure, wolff: russell – verstappen association whether it is the team next year.”
So is it the reason that prevents Mercedes from signing Russell?
“It’s completely normal. And each pilot wants a better car and more money. It will not be a crucial element of negotiations.”
“George triggered a media avalanche with the revelation of our discussions! Sometimes I may be naive. but I try to be transparent with the pilots and I said to them: ‘Listen, I have the obligation to explore what Max will do in the coming years’.”
“And I think he did this to show that he is aware of what’s going on. that there is nothing going on behind his back, and that suits me.”
“I am optimistic, George will sleep well during the summer holidays.”
Wolff, however, risks losing his 3rd pilot. According to him Valtteri Bottas deserves a full -time bucket in 2026. wolff: russell – verstappen association with a return which could be made to Cadillac F1.
“It deserves a steering wheel. We have the best third pilot and the best reserve driver that we can imagine.”
“I know that Valtteri will be in the rhythm. His supervision of Kimi is incredible. He does it brilliantly.”
“We see it. looking at the data and giving Kimi trajectory advice, based on the on -board data from other pilots.”
“He deserves a tub and I would be happy for him if he succeeds.”
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Wolff: russell – verstappen association
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