Mercedes are one of the few teams yet to confirm their 2026 driver line-up. George Russell is approaching the end of his deal, while rookie Kimi Antonelli only signed for a single season.
Alpine haven’t yet chosen a teammate for Pierre Gasly, but it’s Mercedes and Red Bull who sit at the centre of the Formula 1 driver market. This will naturally have ramifications for Racing Bulls too.
Toto Wolff has long pursued an audacious move for Max Verstappen, burned by missing out back in 2014. Both he and Russell have publicly acknowledged that talks have taken place.
DRIVERTEAMFranco ColapintoAlpine*George RussellMercedesAndrea Kimi AntonelliMercedesLiam LawsonRacing BullsIsack HadjarRacing BullsYuki TsunodaRed BullDrivers out of contract at the end of the 2025 F1 season
*Franco Colapinto on a race-by-race contract
Verstappen’s Red Bull contract runs until the end of 2028. However, his deal contains exit clauses tied to his performance in the drivers’ championship, where he currently sits third.
Mercedes now poised to announce George Russell and Kimi Antonelli extensions
According to Bild, Wolff is ready to concede defeat in his Verstappen chase for now. The belief ‘in the Formula 1 paddock’ is that Mercedes will announce new contracts for Russell and Antonelli ‘shortly’.
Red Bull will, in turn, confirm that Verstappen will be staying put. They are likely to relay this message through the media rather than official channels, given that the Dutchman is under contract anyway.
Photo by Jayce Illman/Getty Images
Russell last signed a new contract in the summer of 2023, when he was Lewis Hamilton’s teammate. He’s been one of the standout drivers on the grid this year, winning in Canada, scoring five podiums and qualifying in the top five for 11 out of 12 races.
Antonelli’s current deal may contain an option for an additional year or two. This would make sense given that he’s an inexperienced driver, but one who’s shown immense potential.
All eyes on one thing in Mercedes’ George Russell ‘announcement’ amid Max Verstappen interest
In an interview before the Belgian Grand Prix, Wolff said his ‘absolute priority’ was to keep Russell and Antonelli. He once again played down the chances of signing Verstappen.
This may have been an indication that plans for 2026 are now being finalised. Verstappen will give Red Bull the chance to prove themselves under the new regulations.
Reports suggest that Verstappen’s exit clauses will be more favourable next year. If their first independent power unit doesn’t deliver, Mercedes could have a much greater opportunity.
A lot will depend on the length of these new deals. If Russell only signs for one guaranteed year, then many will conclude that Verstappen is headed to Mercedes in 2027.