The Formula 1 driver market is nearing completion for 2026, but a few of the sport’s biggest seats remain vacant.
Both Mercedes and Red Bull are yet to formally announce their plans, but there’s a clear picture within the paddock of who will take those seats.
The Silver Arrows aren’t expected to change a thing, with George Russell and Kimi Antonelli set for another 12 months together.
There’s a chance that they can fight for second in the constructors’ championship, which could have a big financial impact on their future, if they can beat Ferrari to the honour.
Antonelli did exactly what Mercedes ‘want’ despite crashing at the Dutch Grand Prix. He’s being aggressive with his rivals.
After the race, 1996 Formula 1 champion Jacques Villeneuve told Antonelli to make drastic changes at Mercedes. He doesn’t think his performances have shown enough promise.
READ MORE: What Kimi Antonelli was seen doing in the Dutch Grand Prix paddock after Charles Leclerc crash
Photo by Mark Sutton – Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty ImagesGuenther Steiner tells Kimi Antonelli he’ll be off the F1 grid in 2027 if his form doesn’t improve
While Mercedes ‘offered’ Antonelli to Sauber, they rejected the move in favour of signing a permanent option. A loan was not in their plans.
Since then, Antonelli has ‘not met the expectations’ and his future may not be at risk beyond the 2026 season.
Ex-Haas boss Guenther Steiner believes that his team will have no choice but to abandon him for 2027 if he fails to make inroads next year.
“I’m sure that Mercedes is not happy that he makes these mistakes, but I think they have no other choice,” he said. “They know that he came, the plan was not to put him in this year.
“The plans changed and therefore, I say, I think this year they can live with it. Next year, I think if he continues to do the same next year, I don’t think they can live with them.”
READ MORE: Mercedes see one clear reason why Kimi Antonelli deserves a longer new contract than George Russell
Who might Mercedes replace Kimi Antonelli with in the future?
It would be a tough decision for Mercedes to have to let go of Antonelli, whom they have invested so much into for years.
They had hopes that he would become the next Max Verstappen, and there’s still plenty of time for a similar outcome to unfold.
But replacing him would be a headache, too. Given that the reigning champion is likely to remain with Red Bull, there would be limited options elsewhere.
Perhaps a deal for some with top team experience, like Carlos Sainz or Charles Leclerc, could be made, but they would need to get on with Russell.
Team boss Toto Wolff’s mysterious answer about Antonelli doesn’t help solve the conundrum any more either. It’s going to be a fascinating watch as the situation develops.