Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has delivered a blunt and shocking statement regarding Max Verstappen’s future in Formula 1, signaling the end of any possibility of Verstappen joining the Mercedes ranks.

Wolff, who had previously shown interest in signing the reigning World Champion, officially closed the door on such a move following the recent announcement of Kimi Antonelli’s promotion to Mercedes. Antonelli, a young rising star, will be stepping into Lewis Hamilton’s seat, further solidifying the team’s commitment to their future generation of drivers.

“Max had his moment in the sun, but now his time is over,” Wolff stated during an interview. “Our focus is firmly on Kimi [Antonelli] and George [Russell]. If there were to be any changes to our lineup, they would be the first to know. But for now, Verstappen is not part of our plans.” Wolff’s comments come amid speculation that Red Bull’s internal struggles and upcoming engine changes could prompt Verstappen to consider a move away from his current team. Mercedes had long been viewed as a potential landing spot, especially given Wolff’s public admiration for the Dutch driver. However, Wolff made it clear that Mercedes is looking ahead to the future rather than trying to relive past opportunities.

“Max is a phenomenal driver, but we are building our future with the talents we have now,” Wolff added. “Kimi and George represent our vision for the coming years. Max’s chapter with us has closed before it even began.”

With this decisive statement, Wolff has effectively ended any lingering rumors about Verstappen’s potential move to Mercedes, cementing Antonelli and Russell as the future cornerstones of the team. As the new generation takes its place in Formula 1, Mercedes seems ready to embrace the changing of the guard, leaving Verstappen’s era behind.