Antonelli gets ‘tip’ from Hamilton amid contract talks with Toto Wolff

15:06, 24 Jul

Updated: 17:32, 24 Jul

byCas van de Kleut

There is still a lot of uncertainty about what Mercedes' driver lineup will look like in 2026. Will Max Verstappen make the switch, or will the German team continue with the current driver duo, George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli. The latter has provided an update on the situation.

Toto Wolff announced on Wednesday that Mercedes hopes to maintain the current driver lineup, with Russell and Antonelli. The Mercedes team boss also addressed all the rumours around a possible meeting between him and Verstappen in Sardinia. GPblog previously reported that the two did not speak during their stay on the Italian island.

Antonelli knows what Wolff wants: no Verstappen at Mercedes?

Antonelli was asked in Belgium whether he is in a position to ask for a two-year contract, or whether it will be a one-year deal. On this, the Italian said: "That’s the one million-dollar question." He was jokingly asked if that would be his salary. Lewis Hamilton joined the conversation by joking: "I can help you with the contract. I know how to work Toto."

Antonelli then responded seriously: "I've never been worried, to be honest. I know the situation. I know what the team wants, especially looking at the future. Also, Toto has been clear recently, so that’s obviously good to see. But the team is working well. The line-up is good. Me and George are working well together. We’re trying to help the team to find performance again."

"I think we're doing a good job, and there's a really good atmosphere in the team. It's always nice to go back to the factory and see how much the team is pushing—not only for this year but also ahead of next year. This means there's a good dynamic in the team. I'm sure the team knows what's best, especially for next year, and I'm pretty confident that I'm in a good position."