Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff has addressed the exit rumors surrounding rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli. The young Italian is in his first year in the premier class, and so far, it’s been a roller coaster. However, the Austrian maintains complete confidence in Kimi Antonelli and promises the young driver: ‘He will stay here in 2026’.
Andrea Kimi Antonelli is in his first year in Formula 1 and is already making his first miles with a top team in Formula 1. So far, it’s been a series of ups and downs for the young Italian. For instance, Kimi Antonelli finished on the podium for the first time in Canada, but then only scored three World Championship points in the European part of the season. Therefore, rumors about a possible demotion of Kimi Antonelli to a customer team of Mercedes – such as Williams or from 2026 Alpine – are circulating.
2026
According to Toto Wolff, however, there is no truth to these stories about the future of Kimi Antonelli in Formula 1. “The speculations about a possible move to Alpine and Williams are complete nonsense,” the Mercedes team boss tells Sky Italia. “He will stay here (at Mercedes) in 2026, one hundred percent.”
Although Wolff has repeatedly expressed his desire to continue with both Kimi Antonelli and George Russell in 2026, an official contract extension for both drivers is still pending. Nevertheless, the confirmation from the Austrian is good news for the young Italian. According to multiple sources in the paddock, Mercedes is reportedly developing the best power unit for next season.
