Team Mercedes hit by a crisis of confidence, progress slowed due to missing connection
In the ever-evolving world of Formula 1, Mercedes is gearing up for a stable future with its current drivers, George Russell and Kimi Antonelli. Amidst ongoing speculation about Red Bull star Max Verstappen's future, Mercedes is prioritizing contract extensions with its current drivers, George Russell and Kimi Antonelli, for the 2026 season and beyond.
George Russell, who has expressed confidence about his future with Mercedes, is expected to sign a multi-year deal, reportedly worth around 30 million euros annually, which would keep him at Mercedes at least until the end of 2027. Russell himself has stated that he is not currently exploring other options, emphasizing that both he and the team want to continue their partnership.
Kimi Antonelli, the young rookie who has shown promising progress including a maiden podium, is expected to be retained as part of Mercedes’ strategy to develop young talent. Despite a recent slump in performance, Antonelli has shown resilience, as evident in his emotional display after his early exit in qualifying for the Belgian race last week.
Toto Wolff, Mercedes’ team principal, has publicly indicated a clear desire to keep both Russell and Antonelli as the driving lineup for 2026, reinforcing a stable driver structure while they await developments regarding Verstappen’s status. This decision supports Mercedes' decision to secure Russell first without the financial strain of acquiring Verstappen, and suggests Verstappen will not join Mercedes imminently.
In the constructors' championship, McLaren, powered by Mercedes engines, is 296 points ahead after 13 world championship races. However, Mercedes has not performed as well as expected since Russell's victory in Canada in mid-June. This has led to an emergency meeting called by Toto Wolff to address the team's recent decline in performance.
Despite the challenges, the negotiations for the 2026 cockpits have been a unique situation for the drivers due to their agreement. Both drivers are represented by Mercedes and don't have their own management, which has left them feeling powerless in the contract negotiations.
In a show of support, Ferrari star Lewis Hamilton consoled Antonelli during a brief visit to the motorhome. Hamilton, a former Mercedes driver, has always maintained a close relationship with the team and its drivers.
As the Formula 1 season continues, the future of Mercedes and its drivers remains uncertain. But one thing is clear: Toto Wolff and the team are committed to maintaining stability and continuity in the Mercedes lineup for 2026 amidst the speculations around Verstappen.
References: 1. Autosport 2. Motorsport 3. Formula1.com 4. ESPN
George Russell, who is expected to remain with Mercedes, has expressed his confidence in continuing his partnership with the team. Kimi Antonelli, another Mercedes driver, is part of the team's strategy to develop young talent, and his resilience has been evident despite recent setbacks.
