Mercedes Confirms Russell and Antonelli for 2026 in Wolff’s On-Air Reveal
Wolff confirmed the pairing on air ahead of final paperwork to signal stability for the 2026 rules shift.
Overview
- Toto Wolff stated “both are confirmed” during the Singapore Grand Prix broadcast after initially playing down the timing of an announcement.
- Formal contracts and the official team release are still being finalized, with Wolff describing the remaining items as administrative details.
- George Russell underlined his status with pole and a lights-to-flag win in Singapore, his fifth career victory and eighth podium of the 2025 season.
- Kimi Antonelli’s form has improved with fourth in Baku and fifth in Singapore after earlier struggles to reach Q3 and avoid errors.
- Reporting indicates contract length and PR-day commitments are key discussion points, with Wolff favoring a one-plus-one structure as final terms are ironed out.