Amid ongoing speculation about Mercedes' driver lineup for the 2026 Formula 1 season, team boss Toto Wolff has admitted to having conversations with Max Verstappen, while also addressing George Russell's contract situation. Russell himself has suggested that the delay in finalizing his new contract with Mercedes could be due to the team's interest in Verstappen.

Wolff insists that discussions with Russell are proceeding normally, with both parties having agreed on timings for negotiations. He emphasizes that the "silly season" has begun, making it necessary to explore all options. However, Wolff also reaffirmed Russell's importance to the team, stating that he "needs to be top of the list" for 2026, given his status as a race winner and Mercedes junior driver.

Russell echoed this sentiment, expressing confidence that his performance this year warrants a new contract. He acknowledged the ongoing conversations between Mercedes and Verstappen, stating, "it's only normal that conversations with the likes of Verstappen are ongoing" as Mercedes aims to return to the top of Formula 1. Russell also alluded to Wolff's high opinion of his driving, suggesting that Verstappen is the only other driver whose performance is comparable.

Despite Verstappen's contract with Red Bull through 2028, rumors persist about a potential move to Mercedes, particularly with the new engine and car regulations coming in 2026. Verstappen's occasional dissatisfaction with Red Bull's car development has further fueled these speculations. It is believed that Verstappen has a performance clause in his contract that would allow him to leave Red Bull if he is outside the top two in the championship standings around the summer period. Currently, Verstappen is third in the standings.

Wolff has stated that he wants to keep the conversations with Verstappen behind closed doors. When questioned about the possibility of Verstappen and Russell racing together at Mercedes, Wolff did not rule it out, referencing his experience managing a competitive driver pairing like Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton.

Mercedes' interest in Verstappen underscores their ambition to return to championship contention in 2026. The team is seeking the best drivers, engineers, and pit crew to maximize their chances under the new regulations. While Verstappen's talent is undeniable, some analysts believe that Russell is the better choice for Mercedes, especially if the car is not perfectly suited to Verstappen's driving style.

Ultimately, the decision of who will fill the two Mercedes seats in 2026 rests with Toto Wolff. While the team is evaluating all options, including Verstappen, Russell remains a strong contender, and Wolff has publicly expressed his confidence in the young Briton. The coming months will be crucial in determining the final driver lineup for Mercedes as they navigate the "silly season" and prepare for the new era of Formula 1.