Mercedes team grapples with faltering self-assurance.
In the world of Formula One, the future of Mercedes' driver lineup for the 2026 season is shrouded in anticipation. George Russell and Kimi Antonelli, current drivers for the team, are yet to finalise their contracts, but it appears agreements are imminent.
George Russell, who recently lost sight of overall leader Oscar Piastri, has expressed confidence that a contract extension with Mercedes is just a matter of time. Russell, who is managed by the team, acknowledged that Mercedes "holds the cards" in his contract situation. The British driver has also shown interest in a long-term contract if Mercedes can fight for the title after the major rule change next year.
Kimi Antonelli, Russell's rookie teammate, has also not been confirmed for 2026 but is expected to be retained given his steady progress and Mercedes’ long-term development strategy for him. Antonelli, who has failed to score points in the last three races after a promising start, has expressed frustration with his performances but now feels better.
The possibility of Max Verstappen's name continuing to hover over the negotiations between Toto Wolff and his drivers has added pressure to the situation. Toto Wolff, team principal of Mercedes, has shown interest in signing Verstappen, but the Dutch driver has confirmed he will remain with Red Bull for the 2026 season, ruling out a sensational move to Mercedes in the near future.
The confirmation of Verstappen's stay at Red Bull reduces immediate pressure on Mercedes to finalise Russell or Antonelli's deals quickly. However, it keeps open a strategic possibility for the team beyond 2026 if Verstappen ever becomes available. In such a scenario, if 2026 doesn't go well for Red Bull, Verstappen might consider a move to Mercedes in 2027.
Meanwhile, Mercedes, the former serial world champions, have not met their standards in recent races. The team, which has been facing struggles since Russell's triumph in Canada, is set to revert to the old rear axle in Hungary and definitively abandon the experiment with a new suspension.
In the constructors' championship, McLaren, powered by Mercedes engines, is 296 points ahead after 13 world championship races. The team's principal, Toto Wolff, has called for an emergency meeting before the Hungarian Grand Prix to discuss the team's recent slump. The meeting will involve engineers, George Russell, and Kimi Antonelli.
Elsewhere, Red Bull faces an uncertain future with the departure of engine partner Honda and recent controversies surrounding the dismissal of Christian Horner. Lewis Hamilton, a Ferrari star, offered Antonelli some comfort during a brief visit to the motorhome.
As the dust settles on the Belgian Grand Prix, the focus shifts to Hungary and the upcoming contract announcements for Russell and Antonelli. With Mercedes possibly keeping flexibility for 2027 should Verstappen become a candidate to switch teams, the Formula One world eagerly awaits the next chapter in this exciting saga.
George Russell, in light of his position at Mercedes, has expressed hopes for a prolonged tenure with the team, should they remain competitive after the rule changes in 2027. Meanwhile, Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes' rookie teammate, continues to show promise, making him a potential candidate for retention beyond the 2026 season.
