Wolff states that no 'official announcement' is required for 2026.

      "We want our drivers to perform at their best."

      Toto Wolff has aimed to put an end to rumors regarding Mercedes’ lineup for 2026, confirming that both George Russell and Kimi Antonelli will continue with the team. With Max Verstappen certain to remain at Red Bull at least until 2026, the uncertainty surrounding Brackley’s drivers seems to have diminished. Nonetheless, Russell has been suggested to be seeking more than just a one-year extension.

      Wolff, however, states that the delay is insignificant. In an interview with TZ newspaper, the Austrian elaborated: "We need to optimize the travel and marketing schedule. It’s about determining how many hours should be committed. We want our drivers to perform at their best, and I believe we’ve placed considerable pressure on them with marketing and media commitments.

      "To some extent, we are re-evaluating that."

      The Mercedes team principal also explained why negotiations stalled during the summer break. Wolff spent some time in Sardinia with Verstappen, but noted, "Both George and I felt it was necessary to take some space from each other for a bit."

      Now, discussions are progressing again - although fans shouldn't anticipate any major announcements this weekend. When asked if an official statement would come at Monza, Wolff responded, "No.

      "We will simply acknowledge that the agreement has been signed. But the drivers will remain unchanged and there won’t be a need to make a formal announcement regarding the contract renewal.

      "We will approach racing with this mindset; I’ve always indicated that there won’t be any significant news."

      This includes Antonelli, despite the intense scrutiny during his rookie season. At just 18 years old and stepping in for Lewis Hamilton has proven to be challenging; Jacques Villeneuve has cautioned: "F1 is not a classroom. He isn’t progressing step by step like (Gabriel) Bortoleto.

      "With his current performances, he wouldn’t be driving for Red Bull any longer."

      Former F1 race winner Ralf Schumacher also concurred: "He’s certainly not the next Max Verstappen."

      Nonetheless, Wolff continues to provide strong support, as does F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali.

      "He needs to realize that F1 is a fast-paced environment," Domenicali stated. "There are months that can feel like years and days that seem like months; not all things will go according to plan for someone his age.

      "I view him as a crucial player next season - he will be far more aware."

      Domenicali also mentioned, "Kimi is the same age as my daughter. I’ve known him since he was a child. Having his family around will be beneficial for him. I still believe he has the potential for an extraordinary career."

      Even Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur showed leniency towards the young driver after Antonelli collided with Charles Leclerc at Zandvoort.

      "He came to us to apologize, but Charles wasn’t present, so he approached me instead," Vasseur explained. "I appreciated his attitude. Overtaking in that situation requires taking risks, and he didn’t execute it properly."