Mercedes boss Toto Wolff says confirming George Russell and Kimi Antonelli as the team’s drivers for 2026 was “always a matter of when, not if” — but it ends months of speculation over a potential move for Max Verstappen.
For much of this season, Wolff’s pursuit of the four-time world champion has overshadowed Mercedes’ existing line-up. While Wolff publicly insisted early in the year that a Verstappen switch was “not on any radar”, few within the paddock doubted his interest.
Talks and tension inside Mercedes
Wolff made an attempt to lure Verstappen last season and held further talks this year before finally admitting defeat. The uncertainty left Russell — and to a lesser extent rookie team-mate Antonelli — in a difficult position.
At the Austrian Grand Prix in June, Russell acknowledged the situation, saying: “It’s only normal that conversations with the likes of Verstappen are ongoing. But if I’m performing as I am, what have I got to be concerned about?”
His confident tone reflected his strong form, highlighted by a commanding victory in Canada. But behind the scenes, Russell admitted the speculation had been unsettling.
Before the Hungarian Grand Prix, he revealed: “For Kimi and me, the last six months have not been the most assuring. I still trust Toto and the team, but maybe interests were not aligned.”
Verstappen remains top of F1’s pecking order
Russell’s frustration was understandable. The Briton has outperformed Antonelli this year and previously beat Lewis Hamilton in two of their three seasons together. Still, in Formula 1’s hierarchy, Verstappen sits at the very top.
Had Verstappen been available, Mercedes would likely have made room for him. On paper, Antonelli seemed the logical driver to step aside, but a Russell-Verstappen pairing always looked unrealistic given the pair’s cool relationship and past clashes.
Focus turns to 2026 rule changes
With Verstappen now committed to Red Bull — at least for the time being — Russell and Antonelli’s contracts extend “into 2026”. Mercedes didn’t specify the duration, though Russell’s deal is believed to be multi-year with possible flexibility built in.
That flexibility could prove crucial. Formula 1’s sweeping car and engine regulation changes in 2026 mean no team can be fully confident of maintaining competitiveness. Mercedes are thought to be ahead in power-unit development, but that will be tested soon enough.
Future interest in Verstappen not ruled out
Verstappen, who has endured a frustrating season as Red Bull’s dominance has faded, could again become a target if his team struggles under the new rules. Wolff has made no secret of his admiration for the Dutchman — and few expect him to abandon that ambition.
As Wolff said earlier this year: “Our sport is constant pressure. When you’re too comfortable, that can be more damaging to performance than having a bit of pressure in the system.”
For now, though, Mercedes have stability — and Verstappen speculation, temporarily at least, is over.
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