Overview

• Toto Wolff told media Mercedes will continue with George Russell and Kimi Antonelli for the 2026 Formula 1 season, with formal contracts still to be signed.
• No announcement is planned for Monza, with Wolff indicating the agreement will be quietly finalized once paperwork is complete.
• Wolff framed Russell’s extension as a formality earlier in the weekend, after talks resumed following a pause over the summer break.
• Negotiations center on reducing strain from marketing and travel commitments to help maximize Russell’s on-track performance.
• Verstappen’s decision to stay at Red Bull has eased speculation around Mercedes’ plans, as the team maintains support for rookie Antonelli despite penalties and a tough Dutch Grand Prix.