Most of the Formula 1 grid is already settled for 2026. Driver deals are done. Renewals have been announced. For nearly every team, the shape of next year is already clear.
But not at Mercedes.
George Russell is out of contract. Andrea Kimi Antonelli, now several races into his rookie campaign, hasn’t been formally confirmed. And while the paddock buzz has moved on to midfield shuffles and reserve speculation, Brackley remains the biggest unanswered question, one that’s now being viewed through the lens of Max Verstappen’s reported get-out clauses.
Because if Red Bull falters either politically or in the standings, Mercedes wants room to react.
Russell: The Delay That’s Starting to Raise Eyebrows
George Russell was supposed to be the no-brainer. A Mercedes junior since his teenage years. Hand-picked, placed at Williams, and developed with the factory team’s full support. He was groomed as the heir to Lewis Hamilton. And since stepping into the works seat in 2022, he’s delivered wins, securing podiums, and carrying himself as a steady hand in a period of transition.
So why isn’t he signed for 2026?
That’s what’s making the silence strange. This isn’t a short-term stopgap or a rental deal. Russell’s entire career has been tied to Mercedes. Loyalty, talent, and familiarity are already in place. Yet talks remain open, and rumours, including links to Aston Martin, have started to bubble.
Some believe it’s posturing, a contract tactic. Others suggest Mercedes are just playing for time. But either way, the fact that Russell hasn’t been renewed despite everything is now part of the story.
And it’s a reminder that even the most obvious choices aren’t guaranteed when the team at the top is watching the market.
Antonelli: Mercedes’ Future, Still Pending
Andrea Kimi Antonelli, by contrast, is still new but no less significant. His debut in 2025 has been handled with caution and clarity: let him learn, let him settle. He hasn’t put a foot wrong, and while the raw pace is still finding its consistency, Mercedes are committed to playing the long game.
Toto Wolff has publicly stated this is a multi-year project. The team holds contract options. The plan is clearly to continue. But nothing’s been formally activated.
Not because they don’t believe in Antonelli but because they may want to keep one seat open for someone else.
Verstappen: Clauses That Could Break Everything Open
Max Verstappen is under contract with Red Bull until 2028, but the deal reportedly contains exit clauses. Some are reportedly tied to personnel such as Helmut Marko’s ongoing presence; although these are said to have now been closed, others are said to be linked to Red Bull’s position in the Constructors’ Championship. If the team falls short competitively, Verstappen may be free to leave.
That’s not speculation. It’s part of what makes Mercedes’ delay feel strategic rather than uncertain.
They’re not chasing Verstappen. They’re creating space just in case he chooses to walk.
Toto Wolff has never hidden his admiration for Verstappen’s talent. And if the chance ever comes to put the reigning champion alongside Antonelli, a super-team of now and next — Mercedes will be ready.
But only if they don’t commit too early.
Mercedes Are Never in a Hurry
This isn’t new behaviour. Mercedes are notoriously slow when it comes to finalising driver deals. They waited late to re-sign Lewis Hamilton more than once. Valtteri Bottas was regularly kept dangling until the autumn. Even Russell himself wasn’t confirmed until deep into the season when he replaced Bottas.
Delay isn’t uncertainty. It’s a trademark. It gives them flexibility, leverage, and time. And in 2026, with so much at stake, that delay feels more calculated than ever.
And with most of the grid now settled and Russell’s loyalty no longer a formality, their silence feels more and more deliberate.
Final Thoughts: When Loyalty Isn’t Enough
Mercedes’ patience has always been part of their identity. But in 2026, it may also be their greatest strength.
Russell’s unsigned despite a decade of loyalty. Antonelli’s unconfirmed despite being the future. And Verstappen? He’s just far enough out of reach to change everything.
For now, Mercedes are holding two keys.
The question is: which door are they preparing to open?