P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has claimed that he will stop “flirting” with Max Verstappen over a potential move now the team’s 2025 Formula 1 driver line-up is finalised. The German marque announced last month that Andrea Kimi Antonelli will move up to a permanent race drive as a replacement for the Ferrari-bound Lewis Hamilton. With […]
Last month, the German marque announced Andrea Kimi Antonelli’s promotion as a replacement for Lewis Hamilton, who is set to move to Ferrari. Alongside George Russell, who also has a contract through 2025, Mercedes has abandoned hopes of luring Verstappen to the team next season. Talks between Wolff and Verstappen’s camp concluded that any potential switch would not occur until 2026. Wolff emphasized the importance of trusting the team and drivers for success, expressing a commitment to supporting Russell against the challenge posed by Antonelli in the upcoming season. Despite links to Verstappen, Wolff clarified that Mercedes remains dedicated to Russell long-term and expects him to rise to the challenge ahead.
