Charles Leclerc in Monza. Photo Race Pictures

F1 analyst claims Wolff 'must rate Leclerc incredibly highly'

21:22, 16 Sep

Updated: 22:17, 16 Sep

byTobia Elia

F1 analyst Peter Windsor addressed why Toto Wolff has shown interest in Max Verstappen multiple times but not in Charles Leclerc.

Charles Leclerc in Monza. Photo: Race Pictures

“Wolff must rate Leclerc incredibly highly”

- Peter Windsor

Answering the question on his YouTube channel, Windsor stated: “I’m not surprised he’s not flirting, because I can’t imagine George would want that.

“I think Toto probably learned something by putting George up against Lewis and then effectively deflating Lewis. He’s probably learned now that it’s better to have a number two, whether it is a (Sergio) Perez or a Kimi Antonelli, or someone of that ilk, rather than putting a Leclerc up against a Russell.

“That’s probably why you’re seeing him not flirting with a Leclerc, I would imagine. He must rate Leclerc incredibly highly. Why wouldn’t he?”

Why hasn’t Mercedes announced Russell and Antonelli yet?

For months leading up to the summer break, there was much talk about Mercedes’ strong interest in Max Verstappen, especially since both George Russell's and Kimi Antonelli's contracts are expiring at the end of the season.

However, Verstappen himself finally put the rumors to rest by announcing he will remain at Red Bull for 2026, while the Wolff-led team has yet to officially confirm the renewals of its two drivers.

A few weeks ago, the Austrian team principal stated that the renewals of Russell and Antonelli are purely a formality, and that there won’t be any major announcement regarding them.

“I don’t think it’s going to be even a big announcement,” he said. “It’s just going to give you the heads-up and say we’ve put a signature on the agreement.”

Croft baffled with Mercedes hesitation

Speaking on the Sky F1 Show podcast, Sky Sports commentator David Croft said he doesn’t understand why Mercedes hasn’t announced Antonelli’s contract extension yet: “I think he is an exceptional talent, and we’re going to publicly state that now, because he still officially hasn’t got a contract for next year.

“What are Mercedes waiting for? What’s their option? The reserve driver is off to Cadillac. So who would they get in if it wasn’t Kimi Antonelli? I don’t think they want to bring anyone else in to replace Antonelli.

“So just give him some public backing and see if that makes a difference. And the fact that he’s got that drive for next year helps him just to kind of get rid of some of the negativity that some of his recent performances might be building up.”

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