Toto Wolff has insisted he feels "not at all" disappointed that Max Verstappen signed a new Red Bull contract through 2030, ending speculation that the four-time world champion could join Mercedes.

Verstappen's previous deal contained exit clauses that would have made him available for 2027, with Mercedes and McLaren touted as potential destinations. But the Dutchman's extension — announced ahead of his final home race at Zandvoort — put an end to the speculation, with reports suggesting an annual salary in the region of £80 million.

"Most important was that we had the clarity in the team since a long time," Wolff told Sky Sports F1. "We're committed to George and Kimi, and in a way, that was just a logical consequence what happened now. Silly season is officially cancelled now, and everybody can concentrate on the racing."

'I don't think Max had any options'

Sky Sports F1 pundit Nico Rosberg believes Verstappen's options were limited despite the widespread speculation. "It's fantastic news for Formula 1 because Max Verstappen is the greatest driver at the moment, and we want him to stay here," Rosberg said. "I don't think he had any options. He was in talks with McLaren, but I think that was just to strengthen his position at Red Bull. Red Bull need stability so you offer him a bit more money."

The cooling of Wolff's interest appears influenced by Kimi Antonelli's extraordinary form. The 20-year-old Italian has built a 59-point championship lead over George Russell and has won five consecutive races in a season where he has unexpectedly outperformed his far more experienced teammate.

Wolff's Mercedes dilemma

Wolff's comments came amid growing concerns about Mercedes' development trajectory. After a dominant start to the season, the Silver Arrows have won just two of the last six races, with McLaren and Ferrari both closing the gap. Wolff revealed after Sunday's Dutch Grand Prix that the team "haven't got the money to put developments on the car," with their next major upgrade not arriving until early October.

Sky Sports' Bernie Collins analysed the strategy: "Mercedes have front-loaded it and that shows a confidence in their power unit and their overall chassis design. But conversely, then you're not gathering the data and learning about the development for the next six months when other people are. They've put their decision-making one way, and it will be interesting to see if they can hold on."

Antonelli currently leads the championship with 245 points, ahead of Russell and Hamilton on 186, with Norris fourth on 162. In the Constructors' standings, Mercedes lead Ferrari by 87 points, with McLaren a further 75 points back.