Andrea Kimi Antonelli seems a logical choice - not only due to Verstappen’s dynamic with Russell, but more importantly because Antonelli has already shown glimpses of his potential this year.

Mercedes Formula 1 chief Toto Wolff says continuing with George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli for the 2026 season is the "absolutely priority" amid conversations with Max Verstappen's entourage.

Mercedes Formula One driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli opened up on having Max Verstappen as a potential teammate. Given Mercedes' interest in signing the four-time world champion, George Russell's ...

Yet in the latest six rounds, Antonelli scored points just once – his podium in Montreal – and was outqualified by team-mate George Russell every single time. This was the case again at this ...

Mercedes insider says George Russell could lose his seat if Kimi Antonelli outperforms him According to a report from De Limburger, sources within Mercedes have said that an announcement is close.

He said: "So, to replace Max with him, it just seems like a strange move. I know they've got the young Kimi Antonelli, who's 18, who could be a future star. But we still don't know that.

George Russell has stepped up as Mercedes’ leading driver since Lewis Hamilton’s departure, but his future remains up in the air with Toto Wolff still chasing Max Verstappen.