Verstappen off the market, Mercedes opts for Antonelli

With Max Verstappen off the drivers' market after his decision to stay with Red Bull Racing, the puzzle pieces are increasingly coming together. Mercedes seems to be the next team where the two drivers will be announced. It is well known that George Russell is about to sign again. His colleague for 2026 is also close to being confirmed, according to GPblog.

This website has learned from the paddock in Hungary that Andrea Kimi Antonelli is also gearing up for a new season at Mercedes. It was naturally expected that the Italian talent (18) would return to the German racing team, exactly as team boss Toto Wolff had previously expressed as an intention.

It is now clear that Mercedes is indeed going to reward Antonelli with a second season, despite the challenging times the rookie is currently going through. Last week in Belgium, Mercedes already indicated that the struggling Antonelli is not being held accountable, as the car is increasingly difficult to control. A more experienced driver like Russell can handle this a bit better than a young driver like Antonelli, who is just starting his Formula 1 adventure.

Andrea Kimi Antonelli has achieved one podium in Formula 1 so far. In the Canadian Grand Prix, he finished third, behind race winner Russell and second-placed Verstappen. Mercedes sees in Antonelli a driver for the future, as Toto Wolff has repeatedly indicated. From this perspective, a longer stay is certainly not a surprise.