Mercedes Formula 1 team boss Toto Wolff says Max Verstappen move no longer ‘on the radar’
Saying he does not ‘flirt outside if I am in a good relationship’, Wolff says he will focus on his drivers George Russell, Kimi Antonelli
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has claimed Max Verstappen is no longer on his radar and said he is ready to open talks with George Russell over a contract extension.
Wolff attempted to lure Verstappen to Mercedes as a replacement for Lewis Hamilton last year before the four-time world champion elected to stay at Red Bull.
Italian teenager Kimi Antonelli was instead promoted from the team’s junior ranks alongside Russell for the new season, which starts in Australia on Sunday.
Russell, 27, is entering his fourth season with Mercedes but his current deal is due to expire at the end of the year, leaving room for Wolff to make a play for Verstappen.
However, speaking in Melbourne ahead of Sunday’s curtain-raiser, Wolff said: “We need to concentrate on our driver line-up.
“I don’t flirt outside if I am in a good relationship. At the moment that [a move for Verstappen] is not on the radar.