Nevertheless, when requested by Sky Sports activities F1’s Martin Brundle forward of Dash Qualifying at Spa whether or not it might be viable to have each Russell and Verstappen within the staff subsequent season, Wolff gave the clearest indication but that the motive force line-up of Russell and Italian rookie Kimi Antonelli could be retained in 2026.
“This [Russell and Verstappen] is all extra within the as an example long-shot, far-fetched [ideas] as a result of I wish to stick with Kimi and George because it stands,” he mentioned.
“Every little thing else isn’t real looking however clearly [if] you may have a Russell/Verstappen line-up that is Prost/Senna I suppose, no?”
Brundle then requested how the state of affairs works given Wolff and Mercedes handle Russell, who has been a part of the German producer’s programme since his junior racing days regardless of solely being in his fourth season with the F1 manufacturing unit outfit.
He mentioned: “We attempt to decide up younger drivers very early of their careers and we’re financing all of it so we’re not asking any contribution from the mother and father or any sponsors. And for that at a sure time we now have the managerial rights and it is similar to what Purple Bull has.”
Wolff added that cash was not a key issue as to why no choice had been made but, stressing that the continued negotiations are a standard side earlier than finishing any deal.
“I feel it is extra that you just guys make loads of stress and since it is an attention-grabbing subject it is fully regular,” he mentioned.
“We’ve these negotiations and people discussions, each driver needs to have a greater automobile and more cash. Fully regular behaviour and that is not going to be the essential level.”
