Toto Wolff: We are not considering a change in the lineup.

      In an interview with OE24, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff denied rumors of negotiations with Max Verstappen...

      Question: Toto, your drivers are dominating the new Formula 1, but rumors have resurfaced that you want to lure Max Verstappen to Mercedes. What do you say to that? Toto Wolff: It's surprising that the rumors appeared already in March. Usually, such questions have to be answered in July.

      I can't imagine who raised this issue again. We have two drivers, both signed to long-term contracts. I am completely satisfied with them. Both are showing excellent results, there are absolutely no reasons to consider a change in the lineup or even discuss other drivers. With all due respect to Max.

      Question: Everyone is complaining about the new regulations except your Mercedes team, which is dominating this year... Toto Wolff: Not everyone is complaining, but some drivers are having issues with the complex electronic control system. But our target group is the fans, and over 90% of them believe that we now have great races – bright and spectacular.

      Question: Maybe it's time to return to the good old races? Toto Wolff: The sport must evolve. We need to respect both sides – the traditionalists who want the sport to remain the same, and the new fans who enjoy what they see now. Our task is to understand what is best for Formula 1 and the viewers. And at the moment, we see a clear direction.

      Question: What do you say to skeptics who fear the championship will become boring due to Mercedes' dominance? Toto Wolff: The first two races were not boring. I'm not worried about that. We are fast, but Ferrari has a good pace too. McLaren will catch up with us soon, and the others will quickly adapt as well.

      We see incredibly interesting battles not only for the lead between us and Ferrari, but also in the midfield, where most of the overtakes happen. We just need to optimize the qualifying format by changing the energy distribution. This issue is currently being discussed.

      Question: Did you expect young Kimi Antonelli to win his first race so quickly? Toto Wolff: For over a year, we were criticized, saying he was too young and made too many mistakes. We worked hard together – in China, this led to victory, but there will be races where everything won't go as well. That's part of the game.

      Question: Do you already consider Antonelli a serious competitor for George Russell in the title fight? Toto Wolff: It's too early to say. This year we've only had two races, one of which he won. We have the perfect pair of drivers, a union of youth and experience.

      Question: You appointed former press officer Bradley Lord as your deputy. What does this change for you? Toto Wolff: Bradley is one of the smartest people I've ever worked with. He reads a lot, graduated from Oxford with honors. He has been in Formula 1 for 20 years, knows everything and everyone. He is a hard worker, working around the clock. I couldn't imagine a better deputy.

      For me, nothing will change; I remain the team principal. But Bradley significantly eases my life; without him, it would be difficult to cope with the ever-increasing workload, which includes meetings, working with the Formula 1 Commission, and so on.