Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has provided another indication of how he expects his driver line-up to look next year.
Uncertainty exists over Mercedes’ 2026 shape as both George Russell and Kimi Antonelli are out of contract at the end of the current season.
Max Verstappen has been linked with a departure from Red Bull amid its slump in form, with Mercedes touted as a potential destination.
Wolff pursued Verstappen’s signature last year as he searched to replace Ferrari-bound Lewis Hamilton, before settling on a promotion for its teenage prodigy Kimi Antonelli.
With Antonelli viewed as a long-term investment for Mercedes, an arrival at the Brackley-based squad would likely come at the expense of Russell, who is currently enjoying his strongest start to a season.
However, Wolff has asserted he has not engaged in any conversations with Verstappen as he maintains the team will look to retain its current line-up into next year.
“We didn’t have any conversations,” Wolff told The Athletic.
“At the moment, where it is with George and Kimi, there’s no doubt to question that set up for the future, as it goes.”
Toto Wolff reveals timeline for George Russell talks
A recent report claimed Russell was nearing a two-year extension with Mercedes, with the option for a third season.
However, the report was disputed by other media outlets, creating further uncertainty over the Briton’s future.
Wolff has indicated Mercedes is keen to re-sign Russell and pledged to carry out further talks with the 27-year-old when the European leg of the season begins mid-May.
“We will pick those talks up once we’re in the European season, there’s no stress,” Wolff added.
“He’s performing to the highest levels, as we have hoped and expected. He’s delivering, there’s no doubt about that.
“There’s not more you could demand from that. We have this summer window. We have no reason to challenge or question anything as it is now.”
