Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has excluded the idea of recruiting Max Verstappen for the 2027 Formula One season, affirming George Russell and points leader Kimi Antonelli will stay as the squad's drivers while keeping the multiple-time champion on the long-term radar.

Addressing Sky Sports F1 before Sunday's Hungarian Grand Prix, Wolff noted Mercedes' top focus is preserving stability following a strong opening in the new regulations period.

Yet he also stressed the chance of teaming Verstappen with Antonelli could arise after 2027.

"We will not avoid possibly having them both in the team later on," Wolff said. "You need to allow Kimi room to grow. Max is at his best and can achieve anything."

Verstappen stays tied to Red Bull until the close of 2028, though his agreement reportedly features performance-based exit options that might permit an earlier departure in specific cases.

Mercedes' strong showing this year has further boosted Wolff's trust in his present driver group.

Antonelli, 19, has become the standout performer of the title chase, topping the standings ahead of Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton and teammate Russell after securing several wins, including his sixth at last week's Belgian Grand Prix.

Verstappen, by contrast, has faced a tough season and sits seventh without a race win.

Antonelli's swift progress since taking Hamilton's seat at the start of 2025 has persuaded Mercedes that steady continuity offers the best route. Russell, who arrived with the works team in 2022, is also set to continue alongside the Italian next year.

"We have not issued an official statement yet, but right now it is the clear choice," Wolff said.

While confirming short-term plans, Wolff expressed no reluctance about handling two top drivers together, even after navigating one of Formula One's intense teammate battles when Hamilton and Nico Rosberg fought for titles at Mercedes.

"I faced tougher times with Rosberg and Hamilton. Now I would handle it more effectively," Wolff said.

Mercedes have chased Verstappen across multiple seasons as Red Bull's form shifted, but the team's strong pace under the latest technical rules has eased any need to change a lineup already producing steady results.

Russell's contract runs through 2027, while Antonelli's fast development has strengthened Mercedes' view that the young driver should progress without added changes.