P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Toto Wolff has revealed that keeping “everyone” happy meant George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli’s 2026 F1 announcements were delayed.
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has disclosed that the delay in announcing George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli’s 2026 Formula 1 contracts was due to the priority of keeping all parties satisfied with the deal. The Russell-Antonelli duo has displayed remarkable performance for Mercedes throughout this season, with Russell securing two additional wins for the team. Antonelli, on the other hand, showcased his potential with a first-time pole position and a podium finish in Miami and Canada, respectively. Despite rumors earlier in the season linking Wolff to a potential move for four-time World Champion Max Verstappen, the focus remained on retaining Russell and Antonelli for the upcoming season. Wolff clarified that finalizing the details and ensuring a mutually beneficial agreement contributed to the delayed announcement of the driver line-up. Looking ahead, Mercedes aims to leverage the partnership between Russell and Antonelli to pursue success in the remaining races of the 2025 season and prepare for the challenges of the 2026 and the new era of Formula 1.
