Wolff seems to reject Verstappen: "Russell and Ocon are in the starting blocks"

With the departure of Honda from Formula 1, the future of Max Verstappen may also be at stake for the team. Toto Wolff only seems to close the door for the Dutchman at Mercedes.

When Honda became the engine supplier at Red Bull Racing, it seemed like the beginning of a long and successful partnership, including Max Verstappen who was fully committed to the project. This will come to an end after next year alone, as Honda withdraws from the sport. Officially for environmental reasons, but behind the scenes there are rumors that there is another reason.

Now that Red Bull Racing is no longer a 'factory team' - unless a deal can be made with another engine supplier outside Formula 1 - this may also mean the departure of Verstappen from the team. Before that happens, Toto Wolff however seems to be closing the door for the Dutchman at Mercedes. "Max is clearly committed to Red Bull and is loyal to the team," said the team boss to the press on Saturday, quoted by Motorsport-Magazin.com.

The Austrian says he doesn't need the Dutchman at Mercedes, despite the relatively old age of Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas. "I am very happy with my two drivers. If there is a generational change in the future, then George Russell and Esteban Ocon are in the starting blocks," concludes Wolff. Although the two talents are clearly great drivers on their own, it however seems like a missed opportunity for Mercedes not to pick up Verstappen in case Hamilton retires.