Mercedes has experienced a turbulent 2025 season, following the departure of Lewis Hamilton and the introduction of rookie Kimi Antonelli. Despite initial uncertainties surrounding Antonelli’s role within the team, Mercedes’ team principal, Toto Wolff, has confirmed that Antonelli’s future with Mercedes is secure for the 2026 season. This reassurance comes amid rumors questioning the young driver’s place in the squad.
Earlier in the year, Wolff pursued the acquisition of reigning world champion Max Verstappen from Red Bull. However, Verstappen reaffirmed his commitment to Red Bull despite Wolff’s efforts, including a rare meeting in Sardinia. Meanwhile, Kimi Antonelli, an Italian rising talent groomed in Mercedes’ junior ranks, continued to develop under Mercedes’ wing with high expectations placed on his potential to contribute significantly to the team.
Although Antonelli’s performance has been solid for a rookie, it hasn’t yet surpassed the lofty hopes held by Wolff. With the contracts of both Antonelli and George Russell still not extended beyond 2026, speculation arose regarding the future of the Italian driver. Rumors suggested the possibility of Antonelli moving to Williams or Alpine, two customer teams linked to Mercedes. Wolff has decisively dispelled these claims.
Toto Wolff Dismisses Rumors of Antonelli Leaving Mercedes
In a recent interview with Sky Italia, Toto Wolff rejected the circulating rumors about Kimi Antonelli’s potential demotion or transfer away from Mercedes. He emphasized that the speculation connecting Antonelli to Alpine or Williams is baseless and insisted the young driver will remain with Mercedes beyond the current season.
The Alpine and Williams speculations are completely nonsense, He will stay here in 2026 100%.
Toto Wolff told Sky Italia.
These comments clearly affirm Mercedes’ intention to retain Antonelli as a core component of their driver lineup heading into 2026 and possibly further. Wolff’s firm statement quashes any doubts about the Italian driver’s commitment and stability within the team.
How Mercedes Plans to Support Antonelli’s Growth in 2026
Kimi Antonelli, still in his rookie year, requires additional experience and time on track to contend consistently with the sport’s leading drivers. Toto Wolff has acknowledged Antonelli’s talent but also recognizes the need to ease pressures on the young driver to maximize his potential. With George Russell as a more experienced teammate, Antonelli will have a critical benchmark to aspire to in order to sharpen his results.
Wolff explained that the team intends to “free up” Antonelli, reducing external pressures so he can perform with greater confidence. Praising Antonelli’s natural racing abilities, Wolff remarked on the young driver’s innate talent and competitiveness, advising that removing undue challenges will help Antonelli flourish within Formula 1’s intense environment.
I think just freeing him up, freeing him up to drive, He’s a great driver. He has this unbelievable ability and natural talent. He’s a racer. This is all there, but we need to get rid of the ballast.
Toto Wolff said, as reported by Formula1.com.
This approach highlights Mercedes’ commitment to nurturing Antonelli’s skills while managing the demanding expectations facing a rookie driver on a top Formula 1 team.
Current Performance and Championship Prospects
Mercedes currently holds second place in the constructors’ championship, having recently surpassed Ferrari in the standings. The team, including Antonelli, must maintain a strong and consistent run throughout the remainder of the season to preserve their position. Avoiding mistakes and securing positive finishes in upcoming races will be vital for Mercedes to retain their runner-up status in this fiercely competitive season.
The 2026 season will be important for both Antonelli and Mercedes as they aim to build on current momentum and develop a race-winning package around their promising young driver. As Mercedes shapes its strategy for the future, the confirmed retention of Antonelli sends a clear message about their confidence in the Italian’s abilities and potential impact on the team’s long-term success.
Mercedes rejects 'nonsense' Kimi Antonelli F1 exit speculation:
— Mercedes boss Toto Wolff dismissed rumors suggesting Andrea Kimi Antonelli might be demoted to a customer team next year. Speaking to Sky Italia, Wolff asserted:
“The Alpine and Williams speculations are… pic.twitter.com/plgN5ptep2
— This is Formula 1 (@ThisIsFormu1a1) October 2, 2025
