Wolff keeps Verstappen door open for futureToto Wolff says Mercedes is firmly planning to retain George Russell alongside championship leader Kimi Antonelli in 2027, while still refusing to rule out pairing the young Italian with Max Verstappen in the future. Max Verstappen, Hungarian GP 2026© Red BullAntonelli has exceeded even Mercedes' expectations by leading the championship at just 19. I think the boy is simply very good at processing and implementing feedback, Wolff told Sky Deutschland in Hungary. Russell is currently P3 in the championship and has suffered recent technical problems, but Wolff insists Mercedes' current pairing will continue next season. The remark keeps Verstappen firmly in Mercedes' longer-term thinking despite the Dutchman recently striking a calmer tone about his future at Red Bull.