Latest news with #MercedesAMGPetronasF1Team
Newsweek
14 hours ago
- Automotive
- Newsweek
Mercedes Chief All But Confirms 2026 F1 Driver Lineup Amid Max Verstappen Rumors
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has named George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli as the team's priority for the 2026 Formula One season. The revelation comes after Max Verstappen was strongly linked to Mercedes. Russell and Kimi Antonelli's current contracts expire at the end of 2025, and both drivers are without a confirmed seat for the next season. Russell opened up about Mercedes' ongoing talks with Verstappen last month, when asked about his contract extension. The rumor mill was on overdrive with reports of Verstappen's potential move to Mercedes, given the car challenges being faced by Red Bull. The ousting of team principal Christian Horner added to the speculation about the Dutch driver's future with Red Bull, despite his contract lasting until the end of 2028. While Wolff acknowledged after Russell's admission that there were fewer chances of Verstappen signing with Mercedes for the 2026 season, he has now confirmed that Russell and Kimi Antonelli are the outfit's priority. Speaking to ORF, as quoted by Planet F1, he said: Toto Wolff, Executive Director of Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team in the Team Principals Press Conference during practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Austria at Red Bull Ring on June 27, 2025 in... Toto Wolff, Executive Director of Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team in the Team Principals Press Conference during practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Austria at Red Bull Ring on June 27, 2025 in Spielberg, Austria. More"Discussions have been taking place over the last weeks and months, so they are all up to date. "The direction of travel is that we want to continue with George and Kimi. That is the first priority. "But you can't look past someone like Max and the plans he has for the future. We did that, but I don't think there will be any big surprises." The Mercedes team boss also addressed a report that tracked Verstappen's private jet to Sardinia, the same location where Wolff was vacationing. While rumors suggested that the two met off the coast in their yachts, Wolff has dismissed the report. He said: "What's new is that people are doing photo collages with airplanes. We've never had that before. "But if you spend your holidays close to each other, it doesn't mean that you're going to work together in Formula 1. "We have always gotten along well and by chance we like to spend our holidays at the same places." What is positive for Mercedes is that Russell stood his ground despite Wolff's discussions with Verstappen, confirming his loyalty to his team. Russell said after the Canadian GP last month: "I'm not talking with anybody else and any teams who have shown interest. "I have been quite open to say my intentions are to stay with Mercedes. That's always been clear. And I am loyal to Mercedes. They gave me this chance to get into Formula 1. "There haven't been any hard feelings with any of the talks that have been going around, especially around Max. Because, like I said on numerous times, why wouldn't teams be interested in Max? "If every driver had no contracts for next year, Max would be number one for every single team. And that's understandable. But ultimately, there are two seats for every race team. "I knew if I continue to perform as I'm doing, my position would not be under threat whatsoever. So, I feel in a good place. "We're in no rush to do contract negotiations. We want to win together. Especially Kimi and I being team-mates now – we're getting a result like today, both junior drivers from Mercedes, we're both doing the job in terms of performance. Why would you want to change something that's working?"
Newsweek
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Newsweek
Toto Wolff Reveals Details On Lewis Hamilton Relationship After Ferrari Move
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff opened up about his relationship with his former driver Lewis Hamilton, who left the team after years of winning and success. During his time at Mercedes, Hamilton won six Drivers' Championships and established himself as one of the most successful Formula 1 drivers ever. Wolff oversaw the team during all of Hamilton's victories and built a unique relationship with the driver. Hamilton decided to leave the German car manufacturer and join Scuderia Ferrari -fulfilling a lifelong dream to drive for the storied Italian team. Toto Wolff, CEO of Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team and Lewis Hamilton pose for a photo ahead of the Miami Grand Prix and in celebration of the Mercedes F1 x WhatsApp Observatory Takeover at... Toto Wolff, CEO of Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team and Lewis Hamilton pose for a photo ahead of the Miami Grand Prix and in celebration of the Mercedes F1 x WhatsApp Observatory Takeover at The Empire State Building on April 30, 2024 in New York City. More Photo byDespite losing Hamilton, Wolff revealed that he still talks to the British driver and maintains a relationship with him. "When he decided to go, it could have been very awkward, borderline hostile, and we actively talked about how to not make it that," Wolff told The Wall Street Journal. "All of us made a real effort in trying to be very accommodating, very understanding. "He's maintained being a friend. He pops up in the office on the weekend! He speaks with the engineers, gets some food. After many Grand Prix, he travels back with me. "So we have the old gang: Valtteri Bottas, George Russell, Lewis Hamilton, and me flying from the races." Wolff and the Mercedes higher-ups were surprised by Hamilton's decision to leave the team, though reports suggest that he left due to Mercedes's unwillingness to offer a multiyear deal. Hamilton wanted a commitment from the race team, but due to his age, Wolff and co. opted for a shorter-term deal. Wolff needed to keep in mind that Andrea Kimi Antonelli was waiting in the wings and presented the race outfit to a potential world champion driver. In the end, Mercedes signed Antonelli to replace Hamilton. Ferrari and Mercedes are direct competitors and top teams, meaning they often clash on the track, but Wolff reassures that it does not affect the dynamics between the two parties. "Listen, on the racetrack, we want to beat you. No doubt about that. But it's been 12 years that we have been in this relationship. We trust each other," Wolff added. According to Wolff, Hamilton shares intimate details about his life, even asking for dating advice. "I'm living a different life through his eyes - you know, he shows me his flirts and who he dates, and [asks], 'Should I go for this girl or not?' And I'm saying, 'Yes, you should, and tell me how it was.'"
Newsweek
16-07-2025
- Automotive
- Newsweek
Former Driver Backs Max Verstappen - George Russell Mercedes F1 Lineup
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Former Formula One driver Jenson Button has backed Max Verstappen's move to Mercedes, saying he would form an excellent driver lineup with George Russell. While that would mean replacing Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Button said the junior driver is yet to showcase his true talent. Russell opened up about Mercedes' ongoing talks with Verstappen, suggesting that as the reason why his contract discussions are on hold. The Briton's Mercedes contract expires at the end of 2025. Notably, Kimi Antonelli's contract is also set to last until the end of the current year. However, speculation suggests Russell as the likely driver who Verstappen will replace if he moves to Mercedes. Verstappen pledged his loyalty to Red Bull a few weeks ago, suggesting that he would continue racing for the Milton Keynes-based outfit. However, former Red Bull team principal Christian Horner's sudden ousting last week might have influenced his outlook. Race winner George Russell of Great Britain and Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team, Second placed Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing stand on the podium during the F1 Grand Prix of... Race winner George Russell of Great Britain and Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team, Second placed Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing stand on the podium during the F1 Grand Prix of Canada at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve on June 15, 2025 in Montreal, Quebec. MoreFormer champion Button is unsure about Mercedes replacing Russell with Verstappen, given that Red Bull's title challenger is designed around the four-time world champion. He said on The Chris Moyles Show on Radio X: "It's a tricky one for Max, because he's in a position where he's doing so well with Red Bull – they've given him so much over the years. They've designed this car around him, and he's extremely good at it. Nobody can match him in that car. "They're so far off him. I mean, him qualifying third or fourth, and them qualifying 18th. If he goes to Mercedes, it's a different thing altogether. You know, that car is not going to be designed around him. So, is it going to work for him? I don't know." Button then pointed out the improvement in Russell's performance in recent years, especially since he outperformed his former teammate Lewis Hamilton in the 2024 season. He added: "I mean, the best in the world should be able to make that work for him. It's a tough one on George, because George is at the top of his game. I think he's been so competitive. When you see what he did against Lewis [Hamilton] in the last few years, he is World Championship material." Instead, Button reckoned Mercedes could hand Kimi Antonelli's seat to Verstappen if he were to move to the Brackley-based team, especially with the onset of a new era of regulations in 2026. He said: "So, to replace Max with him, it just seems like a strange move. I know they've got the young Kimi Antonelli, who's 18, who could be a future star. But we still don't know that. "Whereas George is there, he is good, and you need two very competitive drivers with this new era of the sport. Next year, obviously lots of regulation changes, car change, engine change. So, for me, George and Max would be a better line-up." When asked if a Russell-Verstappen partnership would work, given the friction between the two drivers, Button said: "I would love to see it!"
Newsweek
13-07-2025
- Automotive
- Newsweek
Kimi Antonelli Breaks Silence after Verstappen's Strong Links to Mercedes
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Mercedes Formula One driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli has broken his silence amid rumors of Max Verstappen's potential switch from Red Bull to Mercedes. Kimi Antonelli is reported to have signed a one-year deal with the Brackley-based outfit, which is set to expire at the end of this year. George Russell's claim about his contract extension being on hold due to Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff's ongoing talks with Verstappen triggered speculation about the possibility of Verstappen moving to Mercedes. Russell's contract is also set to expire at the end of 2025. While Wolff admitted that Russell and Kimi Antonelli would fill both seats at Mercedes next year, he didn't shy away from saying that he would keep tabs on Verstappen to potentially sign him in the future. Verstappen pledged his loyalty to Red Bull a few weeks ago, stressing that he wasn't switching teams. However, the sudden ousting of Red Bull team principal Christian Horner on Wednesday might have changed the situation. Third placed Andrea Kimi Antonelli of Italy and Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team talks with Second placed Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing in parc ferme during the F1 Grand Prix... Third placed Andrea Kimi Antonelli of Italy and Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team talks with Second placed Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing in parc ferme during the F1 Grand Prix of Canada at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve on June 15, 2025 in Montreal, Quebec. MoreIt is thought that Verstappen and Wolff met off the coast of Sardinia this week to hold further discussions, adding fuel to the speculation. Kimi Antonelli, who made his F1 debut in Australia this year, admitted that "there is a lot going on," but stressed that he would continue focusing on his performance. When asked if he received assurances from Mercedes about racing next year, he said: "I mean, obviously, there is a lot going on. But I am sure the team is doing their best to provide for the future as well, because they're obviously not just looking at next year, but also looking for the future as well. "There are a lot of talks going on, but my goal is just to try and do my best, no matter what." Kimi Antonelli went on to confirm that he wasn't holding talks with any other team. Predicting a rough road for Red Bull, given Horner's exit and ongoing challenges with the RB21 F1 car, former FIA steward Johnny Herbert said Mercedes would likely be Verstappen's preference. He said: "It sounds very much so, that the Mercedes thing is where he's probably going to end up. So, it's probably not a surprise everything with Christian anyway." Hinting at key Red Bull exits since mid-2024, he added: "Now, it's going to be a really difficult period for them [Red Bull], because obviously, with all the changes, with Jonathan [Wheatley] and Adrian [Newey] and a few other people, and of course, with Christian as well. "It's in a very precarious position at the moment, because, like anything in Formula 1, you've got to be able to have the right ingredients, which includes personnel, direction, and that's all been slowly, sort of eroded away. "And then you've got the performances on the track at the end of the day, and a probably not so happy Max, definitely not a happy Jos, but it's probably not a happy Max. "Because Max, as you know, wants to be in a situation of winning races and a world championship, and that sort of, again, slowly, sort of eroded away over the last, what, year and a half, I guess."
Newsweek
03-07-2025
- Automotive
- Newsweek
Schumacher Explores George Russell's Options Amid Verstappen-Mercedes Link
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Former Formula One driver Ralf Schumacher has opened up on the options George Russell could consider if Mercedes decides to sign Max Verstappen next season. While Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff revealed that the probability of Verstappen moving to Mercedes is very low, Schumacher remained concerned about Russell's future. The rumors began after Russell confirmed talks between Mercedes and Verstappen in Austria last weekend, when the topic of his contract extension came up. The Briton pledged his loyalty to Mercedes and stressed that he would continue showcasing top performances, despite his current contract ending this year-end. Wolff confirmed that discussions had taken place with Verstappen, but acknowledged that Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli will form the driver lineup for 2026. However, he did not shy away from confirming his interest in signing the four-time world champion in the future. George Russell of Great Britain and Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team looks on in the Paddock during previews ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Austria at Red Bull Ring on June 26, 2025 in... George Russell of Great Britain and Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team looks on in the Paddock during previews ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Austria at Red Bull Ring on June 26, 2025 in Spielberg, Austria. MoreVerstappen's Red Bull contract lasts until the end of 2028, but considering his ongoing struggles with the RB21 F1 car, he could part ways with the team through an exit clause. Schumacher feels the situation is heading in that direction and was thus curious about Russell's options. The host told Schumacher on the Boxengasse podcast that Verstappen will likely drive for Mercedes next year, to which he replied: "I would also say it seems that way. "I'm just curious what happens to George Russell after that. Toto wouldn't leave him hanging. "I'm curious, because he also needs a good car. He recommends himself everywhere. But whether he should go to Red Bull, that choice isn't so easy. It's a tricky topic. I'm curious. That's really interesting. "Or the combination of Toto Wolff making the decision to relieve Kimi Antonelli from pressure and going to another team for a few years. That could also happen. "I don't know, but someone has to make room. And right now, George Russell, two things. You get thrown out, and then there's the topic that he goes somewhere else and races against you. So the topic is not to be underestimated. Yes, exciting times." One option that Russell could seriously consider is Aston Martin. Schumacher explained: "Yes, that's a good alternative. Of course, Lawrence Stroll always tries to have a world champion in the car. That's his concept from the start. Russell, of course, is not that. "But from his perspective, his clothing style, his entire style, he would fit in well with Aston Martin. That's clear. And don't forget Flavio Briatore [Alpine interim team principal], who is still around." Wolff admitted that a final decision regarding the contract extensions of Russell and Antonelli will be made by the summer break.
