As the Formula 1 2026 season approaches, Mercedes is still officially without confirmed drivers. The contracts for Andrea Kimi Antonelli and George Russell have not yet been finalized, but there is a very good reason for the delay. The Brackley-based team is taking its time to ensure everything is properly arranged. The prospect of signing Max Verstappen has now completely vanished, with the Dutch driver confirming his continued commitment to Red Bull Racing. For Mercedes, there appear to be no major obstacles on the horizon for securing their duo of Silver Arrows drivers.
The past year has been dominated by endless speculation, rumors, and explosive news regarding the driver market. Max Verstappen was expected to be the central figure in these negotiations. As an undisputed world champion, any dissatisfaction with his current team could have triggered a high-profile transfer, potentially benefiting any team willing to meet his extremely lucrative salary demands. Early in the year, media outlets linked Verstappen with a move to Aston Martin, highlighting Lawrence Stroll’s reportedly astronomical offer. Later, Mercedes and team principal Toto Wolff were considered potential destinations.
The deal with Brackley seemed serious, plausible, and even close to being finalized. However, on the eve of the summer break, “Super Max” ultimately decided to remain at Red Bull Racing in Milton Keynes following Christian Horner’s departure. This news undoubtedly reassures Andrea Kimi Antonelli and George Russell. Despite months of wild speculation about potential swaps or offers from other teams, both drivers are set to remain in the iconic silver livery for the 2026 season.
Antonelli and Russell: when will Mercedes confirm their contracts?
What remains pending is the official announcement, as it is now almost certain that agreements have been reached. External pressures on the German team continue, as until the formal confirmation, it is natural for journalists and fans to assume there could be delays or complications in the negotiations.
Mercedes team representative Bradley Lord, speaking to RacingNews365, addressed these concerns: “There isn’t a fixed timeline because setting a deadline would only trigger a flood of questions on the matter. These negotiations, by their nature, aren’t constrained by strict deadlines. However, Toto Wolff’s words can be taken literally, and I probably don’t need to add anything further.”
He continued, “The fact that we haven’t yet announced our plans for 2026 can be due to countless reasons. Since there hasn’t been an official statement, people may assume there are doubts, questions, or other issues. But one thing does not imply the other. Our full confidence and complete intention is precisely to confirm George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli for 2026, as Toto has stated repeatedly.”
Lord concluded, “At some point in the future, there will be an official announcement, confirming exactly what we will do for the 2026 season.”
With the uncertainty resolved and the top-tier talent of Russell and Antonelli secured, Mercedes can now focus on refining its car and strategy for the upcoming season. The confirmation of the Silver Arrows lineup will bring clarity to both fans and the wider Formula 1 paddock, allowing the team to fully concentrate on its 2026 championship ambitions.
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