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.

Rumours have abounded that reigning champion Max Verstappen is in discussions with Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff regarding a possible move to the team in 2026. But today, Wolff has scuppered any ideas about pushing George Russell or Kimi Antonelli out of the picture;

This leaves him just 18 points behind four-time world champion Verstappen in the standings. Despite this, however, Russell remains out of contract at the end of the year. This is due to ongoing contract talks with Verstappen, who Wolff believes he can lure away from rivals Red Bull amid long-running behind-the-scenes turmoil in Milton Keynes.