Mercedes driver George Russell also opened up on ongoing talks between his team and Max Verstappen, suggesting the Brackley outfit's significant interest.

Both Russell and team-mate Kimi Antonelli are out of contract at the end of the year, but with a sprint race pole position and Grand Prix podium already under his belt, the rookie is likely to earn at least one more year in the Mercedes stable. This would leave the four-time race winner in a challenging position.

Max Verstappen was linked to Mercedes by none other that George Russell himself on Thursday in Austria, now Red Bull's chief addresses the talk of the paddock. Russell revealing Mercedes and Verstappen had 'ongoing conversations' did not bother Wolff one bit.