Toto Wolff reveals Mercedes F1 driver priority in major Max Verstappen update

Mercedes Formula 1 chief Toto Wolff has revealed the team's priority when it comes to their driver lineup for 2026.

Currently, Mercedes have a pairing of George Russell and Kimi Antonelli, but reports in recent months have suggested that could change at the end of the season.

Indeed, four-time F1 world champion Max Verstappen has been heavily linked with the Silver Arrows, with Red Bull currently massively underperforming.

Russell and Antonelli are both out of contract at Mercedes at the end of the 2025 season, but now, Wolff has now made it clear that he wants to continue with his current pairing, laying to bed the Verstappen rumors for the time being.

“The direction we are heading in is that we want to continue with George and Kimi", he confirmed during an interview with Austrian media outlet, ORF. "That is the top priority. Everyone is up to date.”

READ MORE: F1 pundit warns Mercedes 'embarrassing' driver over Max Verstappen pursuit

Wolff addresses fake Verstappen photos

Wolff then went on to talk about the fact that both his and Verstappen’s planes were recently spotted in Sardinia, saying: "What's new is that people are making photo collages with aeroplanes.

"We've never had that before. Just because you're on holiday near each other doesn't mean you work together in Formula 1.

"We've always got on well. It just so happens that we spend our holidays in similar areas."

Despite claiming that he is happy with his racing duo going forward, Wolff has made no secret of his desire to one day work alongside one of the sport's greatest-ever drivers.

Indeed, Verstappen was formerly a top target of his as he sought a replacement for Ferrari-bound Lewis Hamilton, before eventually putting his faith in rookie Antonelli.

Verstappen, for his part, insists his focus is firmly on improving results on the track as he attempts to stay within touching distance of the McLaren pair of Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris.

He goes into this weekend's Belgian Grand Prix third in the standings and in desperate need of a big performance at a track which has brought so much success in the past.

Russell - who sits just 18 points behind Verstappen - will be hoping for better luck this year having seen his stunning 2024 victory at Spa ripped away in brutal fashion courtesy of a shock post-race disqualification.

READ MORE: Lando Norris pays homage to Daniel Ricciardo after British Grand Prix victory

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