P1racenews AI automatic summary:
The Mercedes boss is currently evaluating which drivers will form the team’s 2026 line-up.
Toto Wolff has acknowledged his past experience in handling challenging conversations with drivers as Mercedes pursues Max Verstappen. Wolff is a strong admirer of Verstappen and aims to entice the four-time champion to join Mercedes in 2026. If successful, one of the current Mercedes drivers, George Russell or Kimi Antonelli, will need to make room for Verstappen, as both drivers’ contracts expire at the end of this season. While Wolff’s decision to swap Lewis Hamilton for Antonelli was relatively straightforward, the choice between Valtteri Bottas and Russell in 2021 presented a tougher dilemma. Russell ultimately secured the spot, with Bottas staying on in 2019 over Mercedes’ junior driver Esteban Ocon. As speculation persists about Verstappen’s potential move to Mercedes, Wolff draws on his past experiences in managing similar driver situations. Wolff emphasizes the importance of maintaining integrity, humility, and respect in handling such discussions within the team and the racing community.
