Toto Wolff reveals Mercedes' decision for Russell and Antonelli: "Both are confirmed"

Since George Russell and Kimi Antonelli's second and fourth places in Baku, it seems that Mercedes confirms the notable progress of its W16 at the end of the 2025 financial year F1. Improved velocity, regained stability, and above all, the ability to endure adverse circumstances on paper, the car protégés of Toto wolff allows them to perform again.

While Charles Leclerc explained for example, with a hint of fatality at the end of the Singapore Grand Prix, that Ferrari been back behind the top three teams – not hesitating to point out McLaren, Mercedes and Red Bull in this way – it seems that George Russell's feat of strength surprised more than one competitor. Theoretically, the Mercedes should have been much slower when the thermometer showed temperatures around 30 degrees. However, it worked, both in Azerbaijan and in the humid heat of Marina Bay.

Toto Wolff talks about official announcement for Mercedes

Interviewed by Ralf Schumacher As for the possibility of Mercedes finally announcing the contract extensions of its two drivers, Toto Wolff did not hesitate to respond in a direct and assured manner. “Don’t worry, we will make an announcement soon.” he spoke to Sky Sport Deutchland before responding to Peter Hardenacke's clear question about the team's actual decision regarding them. "Yes, both are confirmed." said the Austrian.

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Subsequently confirming that the official statement would soon be published by Mercedes, the length of time taken to deal with these two cases raises questions. Although George Russell and Kimi Antonelli are indeed confirmed for the coming season, the subject Max Verstappen, the claims of the drivers concerned, or the demands made by the team itself cannot be omitted as possible obstacles encountered this year.

Although usual, Lewis Hamilton has made a habit of extending his contract with the star firm during the summer, the fact that this goes beyond the Singapore Grand Prix without any real announcement is enough to denote this season. In any case, if the Mercedes boss's statements are true, the next few days could be decisive in this regard.

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