P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Toto Wolff performed a swift U-turn live on air last weekend when asked to confirm Mercedes’ 2026 F1 driver lineup.
Toto Wolff made a surprising reversal regarding Mercedes’ 2026 F1 driver lineup during a live broadcast last weekend, following ongoing uncertainty and speculation.
Despite the prolonged silence from Mercedes, it is widely believed that George Russell and Kimi Antonelli will continue as the driver pairing for the team next season, especially with Max Verstappen committed to Red Bull until 2026.
The official confirmation was finally hinted at during the Singapore Grand Prix, as Wolff initially evaded the question, only to later confirm Russell and Antonelli as Mercedes drivers for 2026.
Russell’s recent dominant performance in Singapore further solidified his position at Mercedes, showcasing his readiness for a championship challenge with eight podium finishes in 2025.
Meanwhile, Antonelli has shown progress and consistency, finishing fourth in Baku and fifth in Singapore after overcoming earlier struggles in the season.
Although speculation arose about Russell’s contract duration, Wolff’s confidence in retaining the talented driver suggests a promising outlook for the team’s future in Formula 1.
