Overview

• Andrea Kimi Antonelli rejected Helmut Marko’s claim that Mercedes mishandled his development, calling 2025 a learning year and saying he is happy to have started at the team.
• Toto Wolff conceded the team created intense expectations, citing last year’s Monza FP1 introduction as a possible misstep, but said Mercedes will keep backing Antonelli as a long‑term investment.
• Wolff said Russell’s new contract is a formality, while Russell revealed he paused talks over the summer by choice and that negotiations have resumed without a set deadline.
• With Max Verstappen confirming he will stay at Red Bull for 2026, Mercedes is refocusing on continuity with Russell and Antonelli for the next rules cycle.
• Antonelli’s recent run includes just two points finishes in the last eight grands prix and a Friday FP1 off at Zandvoort, yet the team insists isolated setbacks will not change its commitment.