Mercedes happy to secure Russell's future after talks with Verstappen

TOTO Wolff said he needed to talk to Max Verstappen about a possible move to Mercedes but was now happy to secure George Russell's future with the team.

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Verstappen confirmed for the first time that he would stay with Red Bull ahead of last weekend's Hungarian Grand Prix, putting to an end speculation that he could make a sensational move to rivals Mercedes ahead of the 2026 season.

Mercedes and Wolff have made little secret of their desire to sign the four-time world champion, which heightened talk that Russell - who is out of contract at the end of this season - could lose his seat.

Team principal Wolff admitted that the possible availability of Verstappen, 27, had to be explored.

"I've always said I'm happy with my team, with Russell and Kimi Antonelli, but suddenly Max's future became uncertain, so we talked to him too," Wolff told Gazzetta dello Sport.