Russell and Antonelli are Mercedes’ “absolute priority” despite Verstappen interest

Mercedes Formula 1 chief Toto Wolff says continuing with George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli for the 2026 season is the “absolutely priority” amid conversations with Max Verstappen’s entourage.

Over the past few weeks it emerged that Verstappen’s camp had sounded out Wolff over future plans, as the Dutchman weighs up his options to remain in a competitive car in the future.

Verstappen has a Red Bull contract until 2028, but with various escape clauses that can be activated by the upcoming summer break, as well as next year. And with Red Bull losing key staff, being seemingly unable to make vast improvements to its current car’s weaknesses and charting unknown territory in 2026 with its in-house power units, there are question marks over Red Bull’s long-term title credentials.

However, those unknowns for 2026 also apply to all other teams, so it has always been more likely that Verstappen would bide his time and see which team has really made the best start in the new era before committing to a drastic move.

Nevertheless, the saga has added a dramatic twist to the silly season, with Mercedes’ current driver Russell stuck in a holding pattern as he aims to sign an extension to his expiring contract. Rookie Antonelli also has to be formally confirmed for 2026.

Speaking to Austrian broadcaster ORF, Mercedes boss Wolff has said continuing with Russell and Antonelli is the “absolute priority” for him, and has played down any “big surprises” over the summer break.

“Discussions have been taking place over the last weeks and months, so they are all up to date,” Wolff said.

“The direction of travel is definitely that we want to continue with George and Kimi. That is the absolute priority. But you can’t look past someone like Max and the plans he has for the future. We did that, but I don’t think there will be any big surprises.”

Wolff was amused by rumours, fuelled by former F1 driver and now pundit Ralf Schumacher, that he and Verstappen had met while on vacation during the three-week gap between the British and Belgian grands prix, as both spent time on the Italian island of Sardinia. Some fan accounts even manufactured images of Wolff allegedly boarding Verstappen’s private jet.

“What’s new is that people are doing photo collages with airplanes. We’ve never had that before,” Wolff shrugged.

“But if you spend your holidays close to each other, it doesn’t mean that you’re going to work together in Formula 1. We have always gotten along well and by chance we like to spend our holidays at the same places.”

Wolff’s comments don’t necessarily rule out a move for Verstappen for 2027 and beyond, which means there is still some intrigue over the exact length of any contract renewal for Russell, who is likely holding out for a firm, long-term commitment.