Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has revealed that keeping “everyone” happy meant George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli’s 2026 Formula 1 contract announcements were delayed.
The duo of Russell and Antonelli has made up a formidable partnership for the German marque this season.
Russell, who has been with the Brackley-based squad since 2022, has added two more wins to his tally with the W16 this year.
Meanwhile, Antonelli has shown sparks of brilliance with a maiden pole position and podium at the Miami Sprint weekend and Canada, respectively.
That said, it is only with six races remaining on the calendar that Mercedes has announced that the pair will be retained for the 2026 season.
Earlier this season, rumours were abound that Wolff was angling towards a move to poach four-time World Champion Max Verstappen from Red Bull.
But as those reports petered out, it seemed that a deal to keep both Russell and Antonelli was slowly inching towards its conclusion.
However, the inkling in the paddock suggested that Wolff’s ambitions to onboard the Dutchman were stalling talks between the team and its drivers.
Wolff has now revealed that settling the fine print was the real reason why the team delayed in confirming its driver line-up
“Confirming our driver line-up was always just a matter of when, not if,” he said.
“We wanted to take our time, handle the negotiations properly and make sure everyone, on all sides, was happy.
“I’m pleased we have done that.”
Wolff outlines 2025 ambitions
Solidifying its driver line-up would have come as a welcome boost to the team as it gears to tackle arguably the biggest regulation change in the recent history of the sport.
But the matter of the 2025 Constructors’ Championship is still a point that means a lot to Wolff.
Mercedes currently sits second in the standings, holding a slender advantage over the likes of Ferrari and Red Bull, respectively.
The Austrian hopes to build on the partnership between Russell and Antonelli – buoyed by their extensions – to push till the end of the season and then look forward to the upcoming reset.
“George and Kimi have proved a strong pairing and we’re excited to continue our journey together,” he asserted.
“Our focus is now on the final six races of the year, as we fight for second in the Constructors’, and onwards to 2026 and a new era in F1.”
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