P1racenews AI automatic summary:
George Russell and Kimi Antonelli will continue with Mercedes in 2026, says Toto Wolff.
Toto Wolff has confirmed that Mercedes will continue with George Russell and Kimi Antonelli in the 2026 F1 season, with Russell’s contract extension details still being finalized. Mercedes’ interest in Max Verstappen was overshadowed by Verstappen’s choice to stay at Red Bull, solidifying Russell and Antonelli’s positions at Mercedes.
Wolff mentioned that optimizations are being made in terms of traveling and marketing activities for Russell, an experienced driver. He stated that there won’t be a formal announcement at the upcoming Italian Grand Prix in Monza but assured that both drivers’ performances are being recalibrated for the best results.
Despite Antonelli’s challenging rookie season, Wolff defended the Italian driver, emphasizing the learning curve and moments of brilliance expected from him. Wolff acknowledged Antonelli’s highs and lows, highlighting the importance of each experience as a learning opportunity for the next season. Looking ahead, Wolff expressed hopes for smoother progress for Antonelli with less dramatic fluctuations in performance.
