As the driver market is nearing its conclusion for the 2024 Formula 1 season, discussions are being made about the future of drivers. Drivers currently have security for the 2025 season but not 2026. One driver in particular who is at the epicentre of this is Mercedes driver George Russell.
The number 63 driver has occupied the media with his Team Principal and CEO of Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team, Toto Wolff. And Red Bull’s Team Principal and CEO, Christian Horner.
Mercedes Roster for 2025
Embed from Getty ImagesFor starters, we must understand that in 2025, George Russell will partner with current Formula 2 driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli.
Current Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton will depart at the end of the season to join Ferrari for the 2025 season alongside Charles Leclerc.
While Mercedes has solidified its roster for 2025, Toto Wolff has been looking amongst the driver market this season for whom he’d want at the Brackley-based team.
With Hamilton departing from the Silver Arrows, Toto is keen to replace one championship driver for another. That being Max Verstappen.
However, the door for Verstappen to enter in 2025 has now been closed due to Mercedes signing Antonelli, but only for a one-year deal.
What about Mercedes’ Roster for 2026?
Embed from Getty ImagesIn 2026, Mercedes does not have a lead driver nor anyone currently occupying a seat for the 2026 season. With two seats available for Mercedes, there has been a shower of rumours and speculation.
However, one driver we do know that Toto is interested in obtaining for the 2026 season is Max Verstappen.
As the new regulations in 2026 benefit the Mercedes-powered teams, the Brackley-based team is hungrier than ever to claim championship glory.
Toto Wolff has been insistent on his approach in signing the Dutch driver for 2025. But states on keeping their options open for 2026:
“that doesn’t close the door on Max being with us in 2026 or beyond because we want to keep all the options open the same way he does.”
Toto refers to keeping George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli for 2026, although there is no official confirmation to suggest Mercedes will retain the two drivers who are signed on for 2025.
But Why is George More at Threat Than Antonelli?
Embed from Getty ImagesRussell is more of a threat of losing the Mercedes seat than Antonelli. Why? The young Italian is depicted as one of Formula 1’s future stars.
And at the age of 18, has been given a contract by Mercedes to show what the young star is capable of.
Even though we saw this during the first practice of the Italian Grand Prix, when Antonelli crashed at the Curva Parabolica, Mercedes seemed confident in offering Kimi a Formula 1 contract.
Overall, it seems that Toto wants his young protégé in Mercedes as soon as possible while keeping the three-time world champion of Max Verstappen on his radar.
But the only hail mary for George resides if Antonelli cannot deliver in his opening season.
If George Was to be Released, Where Would He Go?
Embed from Getty ImagesIf George were to be released by Mercedes in 2025, what options would the driver from King’s Lynn have?
For starters, one avenue that would be available would be Max Verstappen leaving Red Bull to go to Mercedes, thereby opening up an opportunity for Russell to join Red Bull.
This comes from Christian Horner, who expresses Russell’s value as a driver who should not be overlooked, stating that it would be “foolish” not to sign Russell for 2026.
It is a shock that the Team Principal of Red Bull Racing has the two-time race winner on his radar.
Other opportunities on the grid are limited, as Russell has maintained his status as a Mercedes Academy driver. So, finding a racing seat outside the influence of Mercedes will be a challenge.
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