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.

Speaking to Austrian broadcaster ORF, Mercedes boss Wolff has said continuing with Russell and Antonelli is the "absolute priority" for him, and has played down any "big surprises" over the summer break. "Discussions have been taking place over the last weeks and months, so they are all up to date," Wolff said.

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has appeared to rule out a move to sign Max Verstappen for 2026, as he reiterated his desire to retain the team’s current Formula 1 line-up. There have been widespread reports that Verstappen could be Mercedes-bound since George Russell divulged that the two parties are engaged in active discussions.

Rosberg, who worked under Wolff at Mercedes before retiring from F1, offered the Austrian some advice to drag Antonelli out of his slump. “What I would do in Toto’s case would be signing a contract with him,” the 2016 world champion said.

Toto Wolff is prepared to lose Valtteri Bottas as the Finn edges close to a return to F1. Bottas has been heavily linked with a return to the F1 grid in 2026. The 10-time F1 grand prix winner has reportedly held talks with Cadillac over possibly spearheading their project. Bottas also has a chance to return to the F1 grid this season.

Mercedes chief Toto Wolff has broken his silence on the possibility of signing Max Verstappen, as he confirmed George Russell and Kimi Antonelli are the 'absolute priority'

Mercedes Formula 1 chief Toto Wolff has revealed the team's priority when it comes to their driver lineup for 2026. Currently, Mercedes have a pairing of George Russell and Kimi Antonelli, but reports in recent months have suggested that could change at the end of the season.

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff believes Formula 1 will miss his former opposite number at Red Bull, Christian Horner, who he described as was “one of the main cast” of personalities in the sport.

Toto Wolff is hoping the 2026 F1 rule changes can get Mercedes back to winning ways. But there's much more he must consider too