George Russell, Andrea Kimi Antonelli | Mercedes Media

Russell and Antonelli remain: Why did Mercedes still speak with Verstappen?

08:00, 06 Aug

Updated: 08:52, 06 Aug

byLudo van Denderen

Especially after Max Verstappen's announcement to stay with Red Bull Racing until 2026, it appears to be nothing more than a formality that Mercedes will start next season with their current driver line-up. Yet, George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli have not yet been officially announced by the German team.

According to Bradley Lord, the team representative of Mercedes, there is absolutely nothing to read into this, as he stated during a conversation with a small group of media - including GPblog. "There can be myriad reasons why we haven't yet announced what we're doing in 2026," the Briton explained in Hungary.

Mercedes has confidence in Antonelli and Russell

At the same time, there is no reason to assume that there is doubt about the future of Russell and Antonelli. "That's not something we contemplate. Just because there hasn't yet been an announcement, doesn't mean there's any doubt in our minds about our line-up for next year."

Andrea Kimi Antonelli driving the W16 at Spa

Antonelli and Russell will remain with Mercedes

"Our full confidence and our full intention is exactly that for 2026, as Toto has said many times. At some point in the future, there will be an announcement and a confirmation of what we're doing in 2026," Lord stated.

Did Verstappen change everything?

There might be doubt among the public, because it was no secret that Mercedes wanted to attract Max Verstappen. In that case, one of the current drivers would have had to make way. "Toto has talked about exploring what the medium long term picture is," Lord explained.

"That's the obligation of any team boss and any team management to do so."

"The full intention is that we continue and we want to head into 2026. With George and Kimi, they've got our full confidence and that's the case."