Toto Wolff says he was “always very clear” with George Russell that Mercedes wanted to continue with him, but he couldn’t overlook the uncertainty surrounding Max Verstappen.

Speculation that Verstappen could leave Red Bull to join Mercedes has been rife in recent months as Red Bull not only dealt with the fallout from the Christian Horner scandal and the loss of key personnel, but also dwindling on-track results.

Max to Mercedes? Toto Wolff was always ‘very clear’ with Russell

The team lost the Constructors’ title to McLaren last season, while this year Verstappen needs a miracle to retain the title. Or a disaster for McLaren.

But there are no signs of that happening.

Last time out in Hungary, McLaren claimed the 1-2 with Lando Norris ahead of Oscar Piastri while Verstappen was 72

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