Kimi Antonelli has addressed ongoing contract discussions as speculation mounts over Max Verstappen potentially joining Mercedes next season. Both Antonelli and his team-mate George Russell have contracts expiring at the end of the current Formula 1 season, with team principal Toto Wolff aiming to secure the long-term driver lineup.
Antonelli Reinforces Commitment to Mercedes Despite Uncertainty
Mercedes is among three teams yet to finalize their driver rosters for the 2026 F1 season, alongside Racing Bulls and the upcoming Cadillac entry. Positioned third in the Constructors’ Championship, Mercedes owes its steady points haul to consistent performances from George Russell and the rookie Antonelli, who have earned 147 and 63 points respectively.
Russell recently achieved his first victory of the season at the Canadian Grand Prix, where Antonelli also celebrated his maiden podium finish. The Italian driver, promoted from the Mercedes junior program this year to replace seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, remains without a confirmed contract extension as the season progresses.
The possibility of Verstappen switching to Mercedes next year adds complexity to the team’s driver plans. Meanwhile, Russell maintains that his strong performances secure his place on the team.
Obviously, there’s a lot going on, but I’m sure that the team is doing their best to provide the best for the future,
Antonelli remarked regarding his contract status.
They’re not looking only for next year, but they’re looking as well for the future. So obviously there’s a lot going on, but a lot of talks, but my goal is just to try and do my best, no matter what.
Antonelli’s results so far reflect a mixture of promise and setbacks. While he secured his first podium in Canada, he has suffered four retirements in six races, caused by a combination of his own errors and external factors. For example, a collision with Isack Hadjar in wet Silverstone conditions and an opening lap mistake in Austria led to early exits, while mechanical failures accounted for retirements in Spain and Emilia Romagna.
In contrast, Russell has been classified in every race this season and scored points in 11 out of 12 events, emphasizing his reliability and form.
An Overview of Mercedes’ Driver Dynamics Amid Transfer Speculation
The wider conversation around Mercedes’ drivers includes ongoing rumors of Verstappen’s potential move. Russell has addressed these rumors with confidence, emphasizing his belief in his current performance as justification for retention.
There’s a lot of conversations behind the scenes that are not public, and I know where their loyalty lies, and it doesn’t need to be public,
Russell said during the British Grand Prix.
It doesn’t need to be broadcasted to everybody.
We’ve obviously spoken a little bit more over the last week, because there’s numerous news articles and whatnot out there. But in all honesty, it doesn’t really change anything my side, because, as I’ve said before, I feel I’m performing better than ever. And it’s as simple as that really, performance speaks for everything.
Antonelli has echoed a similar sentiment of focus and loyalty to Mercedes, dismissing any negotiations with other teams and expressing satisfaction with his current position.
I got this opportunity from Mercedes and there’s no talks with anyone else going on,
Antonelli stated.
I’m very happy where I am, and I’m also quite sure with the team and also what they want from me.
I need to just do my best, minimise all the mistakes and then try to deliver the best job possible. I know the team has a lot of trust in me, and so I’m not really worried.
The uncertainty surrounding Verstappen’s future remains, despite his contract with Red Bull including a performance clause allowing him to leave if he ranks below fourth in the Drivers’ Championship after the Hungarian Grand Prix. With 165 points, Verstappen currently leads comfortably, sitting 46 points ahead of fifth-placed Charles Leclerc.
Though the clause’s conditions are unlikely to be triggered, continued speculation about Verstappen’s intentions reportedly contributed to the removal of Christian Horner as Red Bull’s team principal. Verstappen was recently seen at Red Bull’s Milton Keynes facility for a simulator session, coinciding with Laurent Mekies taking over as Red Bull’s CEO.
Implications and Outlook for Mercedes’ Driver Lineup
The ongoing contract discussions for both Antonelli and Russell come at a critical moment for Mercedes, as the team balances securing experienced talent and integrating emerging drivers. Antonelli’s steady rise as a Mercedes junior product and early podium success bolster his position within the team, despite recent inconsistencies.
Russell’s assertion of his solid performance and established results further complicate decisions, especially in light of Verstappen’s rumored availability. Mercedes’ final driver lineup for the upcoming seasons will have a significant impact on their competitiveness within the season’s championship battle.
With confirmation pending, fans and analysts will watch closely as Mercedes moves to finalize contracts and address the evolving driver market dynamics, which could reshape the F1 grid in the near future.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Did Kimi Antonelli skip F3?
A. Antonelli skipped Formula 3 and moved directly to Formula 2 in 2024 after winning the Formula Regional Europe and Middle East titles last year.
Q. How did Kimi Antonelli crash?
A. Kimi Antonelli will face a three-position grid penalty for the upcoming British Grand Prix. This penalty is due to a crash with Max Verstappen in Austria. Antonelli, an 18-year-old new driver for Mercedes, collided with Verstappen’s Red Bull. The accident happened when Antonelli’s brakes locked at the third corner of the first lap.
Q. How old was Kimi Antonelli in F4?
A. Just after turning 15, Antonelli started his junior formula racing career at the Italian F4 Championship’s fifth round in 2021. He raced for Prema at the Red Bull Ring.
Q. Why did Kimi Antonelli crash?
A. “I didn’t really brake too late,” said Antonelli. “But when I did brake, I pressed hard. At that moment, the back wheels locked, and I could not steer the car. I was approaching too fast, so a crash couldn’t be avoided.”