Toto Wolff: We decided on the lineup a year ago.

      In Austin, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff spoke about contract extensions with drivers and expectations for 2026...

      Question: Toto, you confirmed the lineup for next season the other day. Was it an easy decision?

      Toto Wolff: We made that decision last year. We knew George would become the team's leader, and that this would be a learning season for Kimi. So in the long run it was a fairly obvious decision.

      Question: It was a learning year for Kimi, which wasn't without ups and downs. Did you ever doubt that he would succeed?

      Toto Wolff: Never. Judging by his results in the junior categories and his personality, neither I nor the team have any doubts that we did the right thing in giving him the chance.

      Question: You won in Singapore. How do you assess the last six races? Do you think you've overcome this car's weaknesses?

      Toto Wolff: This year has been a season of surprises. McLaren have had a fantastic season, dominated, recently dropped off a bit but remained at the front. Right now Red Bull, McLaren, Mercedes and, to some extent, Ferrari are contenders for victory — it's hard to say what to expect at a particular event. We didn't expect to dominate on Sunday in Singapore.

      Question: In Zandvoort you said that Kimi feels the pressure, which is understandable because he's in his debut season with a top team. Now that he's signed a contract for next season, what goals do you set for him?

      Toto Wolff: I stick to my view. If you're taken into a top team and your teammate wins races and is fighting for the championship lead, that creates huge pressure. Add to that the fact that he's Italian, and Italy has long been waiting for a strong driver — that also plays a role.

      From the point of view of my expectations, his learning continues. There are five or six races left — at tracks he doesn't know. Austin is one of them. I'm sure we'll see very good results.

      We have tougher sessions and more difficult weekends ahead. But all that will reset at the start of next season. He will already know the tracks. The cars will be new for all drivers — that's an important factor. He will already know how best to cope with pressure from the media and all stakeholders. That was the aim of this season — for him to learn.

      Question: Aren't you concerned that the 2026 races will be less interesting, given the possible differences in power unit efficiency?

      Toto Wolff: The main thing is that we are quick! Right now no one knows, we'll see. I know how it looks in the simulator. Everything is a bit different, but that doesn't mean it's worse.

      In terms of racing, a lot will change — how you manage energy, where you attack, where you defend. I think it will be interesting, but let's wait and see whether it will be. In six months we'll know everything.