MONZA, Italy — Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has left the door open for the team to sign Max Verstappen in 2026.

On Saturday, it was confirmed Italian teenage sensation Andrea Kimi Antonelli, part of the team’s academy, will replace Ferrari-bound Lewis Hamilton next year.

Although that news has been expected for a while, Wolff had been monitoring the availability of three-time world champion Max Verstappen all year before committing to Antonelli.

“Obviously we were discussing with other options, and obviously the Max idea couldn’t be discounted completely looking at what happened at Red Bull, but instinctively that is the line-up with these two that I always wanted,” Wolff admitted during a news conference on Saturday following the Antonelli news.

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The press release confirming Antonelli only referenced 2025, while his future teammate George Russell is on a deal which expires at the end of next season.

Verstappen is under contract with Red Bull until 2028 but sources have told ESPN the Dutchman’s father, Jos, is keen for him to get out of that and join Mercedes at the earliest opportunity.

His deal is believed to include performance clauses and Wolff remains optimistic he will be able to sign Verstappen before 2028.

Wolff said he will keep both Antonelli and Russell in the loop on his discussions with Verstappen should an opportunity present itself.

“So you know what I appreciate also in dealing with them is they’re straightforward and transparent,” Wolff said when asked about his discussions with Jos Verstappen and Max’s agent, Raymond Vermuelen, which made headlines ahead of the Italian Grand Prix.

“I don’t flirt outside, I’ve always said it. I got maybe caught out by the Lewis situation, but I have not entertained any discussions with any drivers. We’re giving all from the team to make it a success, and this is why all of our focus in the team is on George and Kimi. And that’s where I also stand. There is no discussion, there is no second thoughts about what we’re doing in 2026, because now it’s about 2024 and 2025.

“And if flirting outside happens, then they [Antonelli and Russell] will know it, these guys will know it before me, these guys will know it at the same time, when we have those discussions, I’ve always been open.”