Mercedes has explained why it has yet to officially confirm its 2026 Formula 1 driver line-up, emphasising there is no “fixed timeline” for making such announcements.
While the team remains fully committed to retaining George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli, the German marque is taking a measured approach to securing its future.
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has stressed multiple times as of late that the team’s intention has always been to head into next season’s rule change with the same pairing.
That is irrespective of the potential to lure Max Verstappen to the team, which seems near impossible after the Dutchman put an end to such rumours at the Hungarian Grand Prix.
Russell himself has stressed continuously that he isn’t worried when the deal will actually be struck, remaining confident in his own abilities to secure his future with the team.
Shedding further light on the situation, Mercedes Communications Chief Bradley Lord reiterated the team’s commitment to Russell and Antonelli.
“The fact that we haven’t yet announced what we’re doing in 2026, there can be myriad reasons for that,” he said.
“Our full confidence, our full intention is exactly that [continuing with Russell and Antonelli] for 2026, as Toto has said many times.
“At some point in the future, there will be an announcement, a confirmation of what we’re doing in 2026.
“The full intention is that we want to continue into 2026 with George and Kimi, and they’ve got our full confidence.”
Mercedes explains contract negotiations are not ‘bounded by hard deadlines’
Addressing Wolff’s second pursuit of the illustrious Verstappen, Lord stated that exploring all options is a necessary part of responsible team management.
“Toto has talked about exploring what the medium-long term picture is – that’s the obligation of any team boss and any team management to do so,” he said.
He also stressed there is no rush to finalise decisions, adding: “There’s no fixed timeline because a timeline just creates a barrage of questions if that isn’t hit.
“These things are not bounded by hard deadlines and things like that. Again, I think you can take Toto’s words at face value.”
Russell achieved yet another podium finish in Budapest, signalling his ability as one of the hottest prospects in F1 as of right now.
However, when pressed by Sky Sports F1 once again about his future, the British driver replied: “I’ve got nothing to be worried about.
“And nothing’s going to happen over summer because, honestly, I just want to have a rest and recharge and come back stronger for the second half of the year.”
“But there’s no time pressure either way now. So it’ll happen when it will happen.”
READ MORE – George Russell rules out new Mercedes deal being signed during F1 summer break
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