Mercedes boss Toto Wolff breaks his silence on the contract situation of both Kimi Antonelli and George Russell

The contracts of Mercedes drivers George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli reportedly run through the end of the 2025 F1 season. However, team principal Toto Wolff isn't too concerned, as he has revealed that both drivers have several options for extensions to their existing deal.

Lewis Hamilton, who signed a two-year extension contract with the Silver Arrows in 2023, opted out of his deal last year to sign a pre-agreement with Scuderia Ferrari. His departure led to 18-year-old rookie Antonelli's promotion to F1. He is set to debut in Formula 1 this year and will have Russell as a teammate.

Meanwhile, Russell and Antonelli apparently share one thing in common. Both drivers' existing contracts are reportedly due to expire at the end of the year. Moreover, amid a challenging phase where the team is struggling to stay competitive and the 2026 engine regulation overhaul is on the horizon, the contract situation could put the Brackley-based outfit in a fix.

However, Wolff is confident of retaining Russell and Antonelli for the long-term. He spilled details on the contracts, suggesting that options for extensions do exist.

Talking to Formule1.nl, Wolff said:

"The two [Russell and Antonelli] of them are the future. We have contracts with George and Kimi that last much longer and are very complicated in terms of options. Mercedes has always been a pressure cooker, but this is where we are today as a team, and we want to continue with the two of them.

"The most important thing is to see how George and Kimi settle in, and I see no reason not to give them the confidence to continue at that stage. We would not have taken them if we had not believed 100% that they are the best choice."

The Silver Arrows last won a constructors' title in 2021 and have since witnessed a steep decline in performance.

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Toto Wolff shares an update on Mercedes' power unit progress for 2026

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff (Image Source: Getty)

Mercedes is expected to build a strong power unit for the 2026 season as several regulations are being overhauled. As a veteran engine manufacturer, the team has been met with high expectations. However, Toto Wolff is keeping his expectations in check. According to Racingnews365, Wolff said he is unsure of whether the team will meet its targets.

"Certain expectations we're meeting; that's good. But then the question is, have you set your expectations in the right way? So the answer is, we don't know where we are," Wolff said.

The Silver Arrows will be supplying their engines to three teams in 2026. McLaren and Williams are old customers, whereas Alpine has replaced Aston Martin. Lawrence Stroll made a deal with Honda, and Alpine shut down its manufacturing program with Reault to join hands with the Brackley-based team.