Mercedes has confirmed that George Russell and Kimi Antonelli will remain their drivers in Formula 1 for the 2026 season, as stated by team principal Toto Wolff. This confirmation was made shortly after the conclusion of the Dutch Grand Prix, even though Russell’s contract is not yet officially finalized.
In an interview, Wolff remarked, “I always say there’s not going to be any big news because we’re doing this. We’re continuing with both of them, of course.” This statement emphasizes the team’s firm commitment to their current roster, signaling stability in their driver lineup. However, Wolff did acknowledge that there are plans to revisit some logistics surrounding Russell’s commitments, particularly in relation to his travel and marketing duties, stating, “With George, there are a few things where we want to optimise some of the travelling and the marketing days, how many hours we’re putting in. He’s an experienced driver and for us, it’s always important to talk about it.”
The expectation that Mercedes would retain both Russell and Antonelli largely stems from earlier developments in the season, particularly after Max Verstappen confirmed his continued tenure with Red Bull Racing during the Hungarian Grand Prix in early August. Mercedes had shown interest in Verstappen but chose to defer discussions with Russell until it was clear that Verstappen would not be available, allowing them to focus on their current drivers.
The specifics of Russell’s contract duration remain to be fully negotiated. Wolff indicated that the team is reevaluating the expectations placed on their drivers, particularly concerning off-track obligations. “We want to have the best performance from our drivers, and I think we’ve put both of them under considerable strain with marketing and media activities. This is our way of recalibrating,” he explained, suggesting that the Mercedes team is making a conscious effort to support their drivers in achieving peak performance without unnecessary pressure.
Regarding potential announcements about the driver lineup, Wolff clarified that fans shouldn’t anticipate any major revelations in the immediate future. “Is there going to be an announcement (this coming weekend) in Monza? No,” he stated. “But I don’t think it’s going to be even a big announcement. It’s just going to give you the heads-up and say we’ve put a signature on the agreement.” This conveys that while formalities are still required, the decision is already in place, underscoring a quiet but strong confidence in their current driver strategy.
Russell himself expressed assurance about his future with Mercedes, saying at the outset of the Dutch Grand Prix weekend, “We wanted to take the summer off to relax and reset, but positively moving in the right direction. I believe that since there’s no time pressure from the team and no time pressure from our side, we’re just ensuring everything is executed properly.” This highlights an understanding between the driver and team management regarding the importance of a thorough and unhurried approach to contract negotiations.
Meanwhile, rookie Kimi Antonelli had a challenging outing during the race at Zandvoort, which included receiving a penalty for a collision with Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and finishing in 16th place after an additional penalty for speeding in the pit lane. Despite the rocky weekend, Wolff remains optimistic about Antonelli’s potential. “When we gave him the opportunity, it was also about committing to a year of learning,” Wolff reflected. “There will be moments where we’re tearing our hair out, and other moments where he shines. This weekend exemplifies that contrast.”
Wolff’s steadfast belief in Antonelli’s future capabilities resonates throughout the paddock. “My 100% belief is in him in the long term, and that is just part of the learning process,” he emphasized. This statement reflects Mercedes’ broader commitment to developing young talent, recognizing that success in Formula 1 requires patience and support as drivers grow into their roles within the fierce competition of the sport. The team is dedicated to nurturing Antonelli’s journey, understanding that the investment in his development will pay dividends in the years to come.
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