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Newsweek
7 minutes ago
- Automotive
- Newsweek
Mercedes Chief All But Confirms 2026 F1 Driver Lineup Amid Max Verstappen Rumors
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. 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. Russell and Kimi Antonelli's current contracts expire at the end of 2025, and both drivers are without a confirmed seat for the next season. Russell opened up about Mercedes' ongoing talks with Verstappen last month, when asked about his contract extension. The rumor mill was on overdrive with reports of Verstappen's potential move to Mercedes, given the car challenges being faced by Red Bull. The ousting of team principal Christian Horner added to the speculation about the Dutch driver's future with Red Bull, despite his contract lasting until the end of 2028. While Wolff acknowledged after Russell's admission that there were fewer chances of Verstappen signing with Mercedes for the 2026 season, he has now confirmed that Russell and Kimi Antonelli are the outfit's priority. Speaking to ORF, as quoted by Planet F1, he said: Toto Wolff, Executive Director of Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team in the Team Principals Press Conference during practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Austria at Red Bull Ring on June 27, 2025 in... Toto Wolff, Executive Director of Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team in the Team Principals Press Conference during practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Austria at Red Bull Ring on June 27, 2025 in Spielberg, Austria. More"Discussions have been taking place over the last weeks and months, so they are all up to date. "The direction of travel is that we want to continue with George and Kimi. That is the first priority. "But you can't look past someone like Max and the plans he has for the future. We did that, but I don't think there will be any big surprises." The Mercedes team boss also addressed a report that tracked Verstappen's private jet to Sardinia, the same location where Wolff was vacationing. While rumors suggested that the two met off the coast in their yachts, Wolff has dismissed the report. He said: "What's new is that people are doing photo collages with airplanes. We've never had that before. "But if you spend your holidays close to each other, it doesn't mean that you're going to work together in Formula 1. "We have always gotten along well and by chance we like to spend our holidays at the same places." What is positive for Mercedes is that Russell stood his ground despite Wolff's discussions with Verstappen, confirming his loyalty to his team. Russell said after the Canadian GP last month: "I'm not talking with anybody else and any teams who have shown interest. "I have been quite open to say my intentions are to stay with Mercedes. That's always been clear. And I am loyal to Mercedes. They gave me this chance to get into Formula 1. "There haven't been any hard feelings with any of the talks that have been going around, especially around Max. Because, like I said on numerous times, why wouldn't teams be interested in Max? "If every driver had no contracts for next year, Max would be number one for every single team. And that's understandable. But ultimately, there are two seats for every race team. "I knew if I continue to perform as I'm doing, my position would not be under threat whatsoever. So, I feel in a good place. "We're in no rush to do contract negotiations. We want to win together. Especially Kimi and I being team-mates now – we're getting a result like today, both junior drivers from Mercedes, we're both doing the job in terms of performance. Why would you want to change something that's working?"
Newsweek
a day ago
- Automotive
- Newsweek
Red Bull's 2025 Form Shocks Former Director After Sauber Comparison
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Former Red Bull Racing sporting director Jonathan Wheatley has expressed surprise at the statistical findings comparing Red Bull and Sauber Formula One teams. Wheatley announced his Red Bull exit mid-2024 and joined Sauber this year as team principal, but little did he expect that things would turn around so quickly. Sauber has been undergoing several changes at many levels before Audi completes the full takeover of the outfit in 2026. The year is also a historical period for F1, given the new chassis and engine regulations that kick in for the first time in over a decade. The year will also mark the entry of automotive giant General Motors. GM's Cadillac F1 is gearing up to enter the grid next year as the eleventh team. But Audi has been revamping Sauber's operations since last year as Sauber continued to race in the premier class. The German marque appointed former Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto as the chief operating officer and chief technical officer. Wheatley's Sauber joining this year completes the team's dual management structure. Given that managerial changes impact track performance, Sauber's chosen direction has yielded positive results thus far. Jonathan Wheatley, Team Principal of Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber in the Team Principals Press Conference during practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Austria at Red Bull Ring on June 27, 2025 in... Jonathan Wheatley, Team Principal of Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber in the Team Principals Press Conference during practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Austria at Red Bull Ring on June 27, 2025 in Spielberg, Austria. MoreThe Hinwil-based outfit finished last in the 2024 Constructors' Championship after having scored a mere four points. With twelve rounds ticked so far in 2025, Sauber is sixth in the championship with 41 points, a stark contrast to last year. Notably, Nico Hulkenberg contributed 31 points to the team's tally. An overhauled leadership and updated driver lineup, combined with timely upgrades on the C45 F1 car, have led to significant improvements. Surprisingly, Hulkenberg's points tally this season so far is higher than what Red Bull's second driver scored in the last eleven months. Max Verstappen has raced alongside three different teammates since the 2024 Dutch Grand Prix, namely Sergio Perez, Liam Lawson, and now Yuki Tsunoda. All three drivers collectively scored 28 points since the race in Zandvoort. When Wheatley was asked about the impressive turnaround in Sauber's performance, he told RacingNews365: "I would never have believed it possible. I know the quality of that operation. I know the talent of the people who are there. "It's interesting that when you leave one team for another, even a team competing for world championships and coming to a team aspiring to compete for world championships, there are things done better there, and things done better here. "That's the fascinating thing with this sport. There is so much talent in it." Wheatley is confident that Sauber is on the right path. He added: "Of course, Mattia and I, our job is to try to channel the team, direct it in the right direction, and get it moving in that direction. My feeling is the ship's turning, and we're starting to point the right way."
Newsweek
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Newsweek
Toto Wolff Makes Strong Ferrari Statement Amid Fred Vasseur Rumors
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff addressed the never-ending rumors claiming Ferrari will fire team principal Fred Vasseur. After a preseason filled with hype and anticipation, Ferrari fell flat at the start of the season. They struggled to secure wins or podium finishes, although the Italian team has taken steps to improve throughout the season. Still, the team isn't in the race for either championship and remains on the hunt for their first win. Ferrari Team Principal Frederic Vasseur and Mercedes GP Executive Director Toto Wolff, attend the Team Principals Press Conference during practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Italy at Autodromo Nazionale Monza on August 30,... Ferrari Team Principal Frederic Vasseur and Mercedes GP Executive Director Toto Wolff, attend the Team Principals Press Conference during practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Italy at Autodromo Nazionale Monza on August 30, 2024 in Monza, Italy. More Photo byFerrari faces high expectations every season as it looks to stop the lingering title drought. The leadership of the team is known for being impatient with its team principal, and the team's poor form in Vasseur's third season at the helm isn't helping his case with the board. "It seems to be a bit of a revolving door with teams generally," Wolff told "I think in F1, you can't buy time, and you need to give senior leadership the time to get on top of things. "Look at us. I'm not enjoying being in a phase that it's the third year in a row that we are not fighting for a championship. We're not useless. We have really good weekends. We're winning races. It's respectable at times. "And when it's not good, nobody's questioning in a way whether the top guy is doing a good job or not. Leave him the space. Let him do [things]. They need to just let them do [things]." The Scuderia added Lewis Hamilton to its driver lineup, creating one of the best duos on the grid. Additionally, they introduced a fresh concept to their car, with the hopes of capitalizing on the current regulations' final year. Wolff believes in Vasseur's leadership amid Ferrari's issues this season and thinks it is only a matter of time before he turns things around. "Fred is one of the best racing managers that I know," Wolff said. "If I wasn't here, I would take Fred. So, I respect him a lot. He's a great personality. He's a straightforward guy. He doesn't do politics and lies. He knows what he's talking about. "He just needs to be given the trust to run this. He's perfectly aware that in Italy, it's like managing the football national team. You're going to have the scrutiny from the media. "Maybe that's something you need to grow a little bit of a thick skin, because if he wins, he is Jesus Christ, and if you lose, you're a loser. That's how Italy is. That's fantastic. "That's the passion that is in there. You've got to embrace that. Maybe that's something he needs to learn. But the rest, he should be given the confidence in running this team. They won't get anybody better."
