'Silly season cancelled' - Mercedes had line-up "clarity" before new Max Verstappen deal
Toto Wolff says Mercedes was always committed to its current driver for F1 2027
Toto Wolff says Mercedes “had clarity for a long time” on its 2027 Formula 1 line-up, following Max Verstappen signing a new long-term deal with Red Bull.
Four-time F1 world champion Max Verstappen finally brought an end to the speculation over his future ahead of the Dutch Grand Prix, when he announced a new multi-year deal with Red Bull.
The Dutchman was already contracted to Red Bull to the end of 2028, but will now remain in place until the end of 2030.
The deal came amid speculation that he could walk away from F1 over his unhappiness with the new rules, as well as links to McLaren and Mercedes.
Verstappen’s new deal “a logical consequence”
Verstappen already has ties to Mercedes, having driven one of its GT3 cars at the Nurburgring 24 Hours this year.
But Wolff said on Saturday at Zandvoort that Verstappen signing again with Red Bull changed nothing for Mercedes’ 2027 F1 plans.
“I think [the] most important [thing] was we had clarity in the team for a long time,” he told Sky Sports F1.
“We are committed to George [Russell] and Kimi [Antonelli].
“And, in a way, that was just a logical consequence, what happened [with Verstappen signing a new Red Bull deal].
“Now, silly season is officially cancelled, and everyone can focus on the racing.”
Asked if he felt any disappointment in missing out on signing Verstappen again, Wolff replied: “No, none at all.
“We know each other well. And with Kimi and George, it’s the perfect set-up we have and the perfect line-up. So, there is no disappointment.”
Commenting on his new contract extension on Thursday ahead of his home race, Verstappen admitted he was nearer to retiring than he was of ever changing teams.
“I think I was closer to retiring than changing team! But no, all good,” Verstappen said.
“I have to say, after the first few races, I said to Laurent [Mekies], ‘don’t come to me with any kind of questions about the future! Because I didn’t even know if I want to stay’.”
