Toto Wolff insists Russell, Antonelli will extend Mercedes contracts

Wolff confident in Russell and Antonelli contract renewals

Mercedes have spent most of the year embroiled in speculation about their driver line-up.

Specifically, the focus until the summer break was on the team’s negotiations with Max Verstappen.

As initially confirmed by George Russell himself, the Silver Arrows were in talks with the Quadruple World Champion.

One of many consequences from these negotiations was that Russell and Antonelli were left on the sidelines.

With Mercedes prioritising clarity on Verstappen’s situation, their existing drivers became bystanders.

Due to stipulations in Verstappen’s contract, however, Toto Wolff was unable to secure the Dutchman’s signature for 2026.

In theory, this paves the way for Mercedes to renew Russell and Antonelli’s contracts.

Of course, the last few weeks have shown things are not so simple.

Russell in particular, who has more leverage in negotiations than his teammate, is likely to push for a more long-term contract.

This would be a sensible move for the 27-year-old, given Toto Wolff’s persistent attempts to sign Verstappen.

Because of this, Russell has emphasised that a new contract agreement will not be rushed.

Meanwhile, Wolff argues that reaching a deal is a matter of time:

“I always say there’s not going to be any big news, because we’re doing this.

“We’re continuing with both of them, of course,” he explained in Zandvoort.

“With George there’s a few things where we want to optimise some of the travelling and the marketing days – how many hours we’re putting in.

“He’s an experienced driver, and for us it’s always important to talk about it.

“We want to have the best performance of the drivers.

“And I think we’ve given both of them quite a strain with marketing activities and media activities and this is how we’re recalibrating.”

A chance for Mercedes to quieten the noise

Wolff’s quotes include something of an admission of the uncomfortable position Russell and Antonelli have been put in.

For several months, the Mercedes duo were questioned about their status within Mercedes.

With Verstappen negotiations still ongoing, there was always a cloud of uncertainty following Russell and Antonelli’s responses.

To some extent, these doubts have dissipated with Verstappen’s continuation at Red Bull for 2026 confirmed.

Still, it would be an oversimplification to say that an agreement will be reached easily.

Even in their declarations to the media, George Russell and Toto Wolff do not appear on the same wavelength.

The 5-time race winner is adamant that “things have to be right” before a renewing his deal.

His concerns, as eluded to in interviews, appear directly linked with the length of his next contract.

Russell’s reservations certainly go beyond the ‘travelling’ and ‘marketing days’ that Wolff mentioned as the current barriers.

Just last weekend, Wolff was unapologetic about exploring Verstappen’s availability.

These comments are fresh evidence for why Russell will not settle for an extension he deems unsatisfactory.

On the other side of the garage, Antonelli is unlikely to make the same demands as his most experienced teammate.

As a rookie, the 18-year-old does not have the same negotiating position as his counterpart.

It will be talks with Russell, then, that occupy most of Mercedes’ energy in the coming weeks and months.