P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Mercedes F1 boss Toto Wolff has given a measured response to a question about a Max Verstappen and George Russell driver lineup for 2027.
Mercedes F1 boss Toto Wolff responded thoughtfully to speculation about a potential Max Verstappen and George Russell driver lineup for 2027. Russell and his teammate Kimi Antonelli recently signed contracts that secure them with the team through the new era of F1 regulations in 2026. While there was initial uncertainty surrounding Russell’s position due to Wolff’s interest in Verstappen, both Russell and Antonelli were eventually confirmed as Mercedes drivers for 2026. Discussions about a potential Verstappen-Russell pairing for 2027 arose, but Wolff emphasized the team’s focus on Russell and Antonelli for the future. Russell has shown impressive performance in 2025, with two race wins and several podium finishes, positioning him well within the drivers’ championship contention. The dynamics between teams and drivers are expected to shift leading up to 2027, with the possibility of Verstappen considering a team switch depending on competitive opportunities provided by teams like Mercedes, Aston Martin, and Ferrari.
