Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has disclosed that Andrea Kimi Antonelli and George Russell are guaranteed to continue as the team’s driver line-up in Formula 1 for 2026.
The German outfit has been widely anticipated to go into next season with an unchanged pairing since Max Verstappen reiterated his commitment to Red Bull in July.
Verstappen’s entourage had been engaged in renewed talks with Wolff, who missed out on landing the Dutchman before his F1 debut in 2014 and once again in 2024.
But despite a month having passed since the door closed on a potential partnership for 2026, Mercedes still hasn’t tied down either Antonelli or Russell to a new deal.
However, Wolff has divulged that the delay boils down to minor details, including an amendment to the engagements that the pair must fulfil with the side’s sponsors.
“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,” he told media including Motorsport Week.
“With George, there’s 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.
“We want to have the best performance of the drivers and I think we’ve given both of them quite a strain with marketing activities and media activities and this is how we’re recalibrating.”
Mercedes announcement not expected by Monza
Mercedes has tended to release driver updates around the Italian Grand Prix, including 12 months ago when Antonelli was revealed as Lewis Hamilton’s replacement.
But with discussions with Russell having been put on hold across the summer break, Wolff has indicated that official confirmation will not arrive within the next week.
Asked whether there is going to be news this weekend at Monza, Wolff replied: “No, 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 into agreement.”
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