Toto Wolff’s public pursuit ♛of Max Verstappen is mainly “mischief” to 🅰annoy Red Bull, says Martin Brundle.

The Mercedes boss proudly announced that Kimi Antonelli would replace Lewis Hamilton, a✨nd sit alongside George ♐Russell in their 2025 line-up.

But he also spokꩲe about his ongoing desire to tempt Red Bull’s Verstappen into a Mercedes for 2026.

The new F1 regulation🐻s which will begin in 2026 could enable♕ Mercedes to start a fresh era of dominance if they emerge with the strongest engine, making them attractive to every driver on the grid including Verstappen.

But Sky Sports’ Brundle said: “With Toto there is as much mischief to destabilise Red Bull as there is try🐽ing to stabilise Mercedes.

“Wh𓄧en he said that, he had George one side of him, and Antonelli the other side!

“They manage both of those drivers’ car🃏eꦓer, as well.

“George is the lead driver of the great Mercedes teamဣ going into a year where it looks like the car might be strong.

“It’s all for the taking. I don’t think he needs to look in his rear view mirror at other drive🦄rs.”

Brundle’s view is in contrast to Nico Rosberg’s,ܫ who expects a battle between next season’s Mer🏅cedes drivers to keep their spots.

“It really becomes a straightꦦ shootout between Anꦿtonelli and George,” Rosberg predicted.

“It won’t be a comfওortable position for George. Because you have a young superstar, 18 year🐬s old. George is expected to beat Antonelli so he can almost only lose next year.

“It’s uncomf🌸ortable, he has to beat Antonelli to be kept on alongside Verstappen.”