Despite russell

Saudi Arabian Grand Prix: As the Formula 1 caravan heads deeper into the 2025 season, the paddock has found itself buzzing with one persistent rumour: Will Max Verstappen leave Red Bull for a fresh challenge in 2026? While whispers have grown louder amid Red Bull’s early-season struggles, Mercedes has emphatically ruled themselves out of the running.

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff was crystal clear in Jeddah ahead of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix: There have been no conversations with Verstappen, and there are no plans to pursue one.

“We didn’t have any conversations,” Wolff told The Athletic on Saturday. “At the moment, with George [Russell] and Kimi [Antonelli], there’s no reason to question that set-up for the future.”