George Russell and Kimi Antonelli are quite confident that they will also be driving for Mercedes in 2026. Despite expiring contracts – and Mercedes’ interest in Max Verstappen – the drivers of the German team are not worried.
The Formula 1 world has been buzzing with rumors for weeks about a possible transfer of Verstappen to Mercedes. They do not deny being in talks with each other, but at the same time, a transfer of the Dutchman to the German team does not seem very likely.
Russell, who himself revealed last month that he is in the waiting room because Mercedes is talking to Verstappen, is very confident that he will stay. “I still see no reason to worry about my future at Mercedes,” he said on Thursday at Spa-Francorchamps.
“And what is ultimately the worst that can happen? If I perform well, I will stay in Formula 1 at Mercedes or drive somewhere else in a competitive car. I have my future in my own hands in that regard, as long as I keep performing well.”
On Wednesday, Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff said that the intention is to continue with Russell and Antonelli. “It’s not just about the team making a decision. The drivers also need to know where they stand,” he said at the time. “We have always tried to stick to that rule and we will do so again now.”
‘Toto has always been honest with me’
According to Russell, “the hype” about Mercedes’ driver lineup is greater outside the team than inside. “I’m talking about it now because you’re bringing it up again. But to be honest, I haven’t worried about it at all in recent weeks when there was no Formula 1.”
Russell’s teammate Antonelli spoke words of similar tenor at the press conference. “To be honest, I’m not at all worried about whether I will be driving for Mercedes next year,” said the eighteen-year-old Italian, who is making his debut in Formula 1 this year.
“Toto has always been honest with me. The collaboration with George is going well. The team knows what is best for next year and I am confident that I am in a good position.”