Kimi Antonelli and George Russell’s contracts expiring in 2025? Toto Wolff explains short-term agreements. Toto Wolff clarified how Kimi Antonelli and George Russell can be considered the future of Mercedes.

The new lineup
Lewis Hamilton’s departure from Brackley after 12 seasons driving for Mercedes has paved the way for the formation of a new lineup: alongside George Russell, the team will rely on the very young Andrea Kimi Antonelli, a protégé of Team Principal Toto Wolff. Closely followed by the Austrian manager for some time, the 18-year-old will make his Formula 1 debut this year, tasked with the challenging role of replacing seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton.

The contracts
Mercedes will now have two official drivers with several common traits: in addition to being products of the Anglo-German team’s Junior Program, both have contracts valid until the end of 2025. While this expiration date isn’t far off, Toto Wolff was the first to reassure the 26-year-old Briton and the first Italian Formula 1 driver since Antonio Giovinazzi.

Mercedes’ policy
As reported by *formule1.nl*, the Team Principal avoided making definitive statements about potential contract extensions but reminded that Mercedes also worked with short “one year plus one year” deals for Lewis Hamilton: “The two of them are the future,” he said, referring to George Russell and Kimi Antonelli. “They are and will remain Mercedes drivers, which is why we have contracts with George and Kimi that are much longer and far more complex in terms of options. Mercedes has always been a pressure cooker, but this is where we are today as a team, and we want to continue with both of them. The most important thing is ensuring George and Kimi feel at home, and I see no reason not to give them the necessary trust to continue during this phase. We wouldn’t have chosen them if we weren’t 100% convinced they are the best choices.” – the Mercedes team principal concluded.