Aug.28 (GMM) George Russell and Kimi Antonelli walked again into the System 1 paddock at Zandvoort this week noticeably extra relaxed – with each understanding that Max Verstappen won’t be transferring to Mercedes in 2026.
The hypothesis over Verstappen’s contract exit clauses had put specific strain on Mercedes’ younger Italian rookie, however for now the 19-year-old is respiratory simpler.
“It could be good if my renewal was introduced at Monza,” Antonelli instructed Sky Italia. “However I don’t really know when or if it’s going to occur there. I’m conscious of the group’s place and what they need for the longer term.”
Though most of the rumours revolved round Russell making method for Verstappen, the Briton admitted Antonelli had in actual fact been within the hottest seat.
“No, by no means,” Russell insisted when requested if he was anxious. “The principle query was who could be my teammate.”
As for why his personal contract has not but been signed, Russell downplayed the delay. “We naturally wished to make use of the summer time to chill out a bit, however the scenario is creating positively.
“The world doesn’t revolve solely round a brand new contract.”
The 28-year-old additionally made clear he’s not going anyplace. “We’re looking forward to subsequent 12 months, on sponsorship occasions. Generally issues simply take longer than you’d anticipate. As I stated, issues are transferring in the correct course.”
Reviews and sources counsel the holdup pertains to Russell wanting a two-year deal whereas boss Toto Wolff prefers just one – leaving the door open for Verstappen in 2027. However Russell denied there’s pressure.
“No, by no means,” he stated when requested if he’s arguing with Wolff. “Each brief and long-term contracts have their professionals and cons. This season has confirmed that efficiency is every part. What’s in your contract is finally only a quantity.”
He even hinted he would possibly settle for a one-year extension. “I’m considering fastidiously about my future.
“The reality is, I need to be world champion, ideally with Mercedes. I’m 28, I nonetheless really feel younger, however in some unspecified time in the future, it’s a must to make certain every part goes in the correct course. Like I stated, I hope that occurs with Mercedes. So, whether or not it’s for one 12 months or a number of years, that’s what we’re discussing now.”
Russell additionally laughed about re-sparking the Verstappen-to-Mercedes story earlier this 12 months by acknowledging mutual curiosity between Wolff and Verstappen. “I didn’t suppose it was a secret,” he smiled.
“Possibly it was a – what do you say? Like an open secret, however I didn’t realise it wasn’t public data.”
Antonelli, in the meantime, admitted the strain hit him laborious – even transferring him to tears in entrance of the media earlier than the break. At one stage, Purple Bull advisor Helmut Marko even prompt Mercedes ought to have positioned him at a smaller group first.
“It’s not all the time straightforward to begin working for a high group immediately,” Antonelli conceded. “I’ve had some troublesome moments, however the group has all the time supported me. I do know I didn’t get probably the most out of it this 12 months.
“On the similar time, it’s additionally essential to look forward to subsequent 12 months. If I had pushed for a junior group, there in all probability wouldn’t have been as a lot strain. However I’m glad I used to be in a position to begin at Mercedes as a result of I’m studying an amazing quantity right here.”
He admitted the break was important. “It actually helped that I may relaxation for a couple of weeks. I’m not going to lie – I used to be fairly drained throughout the previous couple of race weekends.”
.jpg "Discussions underway for possible Herta move to F2 in 2026")
