Nonetheless, 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 crew subsequent season, Wolff gave the clearest indication but that the motive force line-up of Russell and Italian rookie Kimi Antonelli can be retained in 2026.
“This [Russell and Verstappen] is all extra within the for example long-shot, far-fetched [ideas] as a result of I need to stick with Kimi and George because it stands,” he mentioned.
“All the things else shouldn’t be sensible however clearly [if] you may have a Russell/Verstappen line-up that is Prost/Senna I suppose, no?”
Brundle then requested how the scenario 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 facility outfit.
He mentioned: “We attempt to choose 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’ve got the managerial rights and it is similar to what Crimson Bull has.”
Wolff added that cash was not a key issue as to why no resolution had been made but, stressing that the continued negotiations are a standard side earlier than finishing any deal.
“I believe it is extra that you simply guys make loads of strain and since it is an fascinating subject it is utterly regular,” he mentioned.
“Now we have these negotiations and people discussions, each driver desires to have a greater automotive and extra money. Utterly regular behaviour and that is not going to be the essential level.”
