Toto Wolff is prepared to lose Valtteri Bottas as the Finn edges close to a return to F1. Bottas has been heavily linked with a return to the F1 grid in 2026. The 10-time F1 grand prix winner has reportedly held talks with Cadillac over possibly spearheading their project. Bottas also has a chance to return to the F1 grid this season.

New Red Bull boss Laurent Mekies on Friday said his first priority was to improve the car’s performance to ensure four-time champion Max Verstappen remains with the team.

But speaking with Austrian outlet ORF ahead of this weekend’s Belgian Grand Prix, Mercedes boss Toto Wolff made it clear that the team’s “priority” is their current driver lineup, George Russell and rookie Kimi Antonelli. “The direction is that we want to continue with George and Kimi. That’s our top priority,” said Wolff.

Speaking to Austrian broadcaster ORF, Mercedes boss Wolff has said continuing with Russell and Antonelli is the "absolute priority" for him, and has played down any "big surprises" over the summer break. "Discussions have been taking place over the last weeks and months, so they are all up to date," Wolff said.

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff believes Formula 1 will miss his former opposite number at Red Bull, Christian Horner, who he described as was “one of the main cast” of personalities in the sport.

Mercedes chief Toto Wolff has broken his silence on the possibility of signing Max Verstappen, as he confirmed George Russell and Kimi Antonelli are the 'absolute priority'

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has appeared to rule out a move to sign Max Verstappen for 2026, as he reiterated his desire to retain the team’s current Formula 1 line-up. There have been widespread reports that Verstappen could be Mercedes-bound since George Russell divulged that the two parties are engaged in active discussions.