Kimi Antonelli Faces Backlash Over Mercedes Contract as Critics Claim Team Left With No Alternatives
Mercedes have officially locked in their driver lineup for the 2026 Formula 1 season, confirming George Russell and Kimi Antonelli as their two race drivers. The announcement follows months of speculation about the team’s direction, particularly amid rumours linking four-time world champion Max Verstappen with a potential move to Brackley.
While Mercedes’ decision provides continuity, not everyone is convinced it was the right call—especially regarding young rookie Antonelli. Both drivers signed fresh contracts last week, cementing a partnership that has so far delivered steady results for the Silver Arrows. Russell has enjoyed a standout season, claiming two race victories and currently sitting fourth in the drivers’ standings. Antonelli, meanwhile, has been consistent in scoring points, helping Mercedes secure second place in the constructors’ championship.
However, questions have been raised about whether the team had any real choice in retaining their current pairing. The uncertainty surrounding Verstappen’s future delayed contract negotiations, with even Russell’s seat briefly appearing under threat during the mid-season phase. But when Verstappen’s availability became less certain, Mercedes moved quickly to secure their existing duo—though not without criticism.
Former F1 world champion Jacques Villeneuve has been particularly outspoken, questioning whether Antonelli’s performances warranted a renewal. Speaking to Vision4Sport, Villeneuve suggested that the Italian’s inconsistency left Mercedes with limited options. “If Mercedes hadn’t re-signed George, who would they have gone for? There’s no one out there at his level,” he said. “His team-mate is not ready to lead the team. You have to look at the whole picture—qualifying gaps, race pace, and overall weekends. George was finishing fifth, and Antonelli eighth. Now George wins races and Antonelli finishes fourth. That’s not an improvement—George just improved more.”
Villeneuve argued that Antonelli’s results, while respectable for a rookie, have plateaued rather than progressed. “He hasn’t gotten worse, but he hasn’t gotten better either,” he continued. “In the last few races, he seemed more confident, probably because Mercedes changed the personnel around him. That’s a positive sign, but it must continue, because other young drivers are already making visible steps forward. Antonelli needs to do the same.”
Despite the criticism, Mercedes are optimistic about their future. The team’s long-term focus is on the major regulation overhaul coming in 2026, which will reshape Formula 1’s technical landscape. Although neither Russell nor Antonelli’s contract length was revealed publicly, it’s believed Mercedes plan to evaluate performance as the new era begins.
Russell, who has been Mercedes’ standout performer in 2025, remains confident the team can challenge for championships once the new regulations come into effect. Speaking after his victory at the United States Grand Prix, he expressed faith in the team’s development direction: “If I want to fight for the world title, Mercedes is still the place to be. We’ve made great progress this year, and the team is working hard to ensure we’re in the best position for 2026.”
Mercedes’ rich history of success supports that belief. Having dominated Formula 1 between 2014 and 2021 with eight consecutive constructors’ titles, the Brackley outfit knows what it takes to build a championship-winning car. If they can adapt better than rivals like Red Bull and Ferrari to the 2026 regulations, a return to the top of the standings is possible.
Still, the team’s decision to keep Antonelli may come under renewed scrutiny if his development stalls. With Verstappen’s long-term future uncertain—especially if Red Bull fail to produce a competitive car under the new rules—Mercedes might revisit their pursuit of the Dutchman for the 2027 season. For now, however, the focus remains on refining their current package and ensuring both drivers are ready to lead the Silver Arrows into Formula 1’s next generation.
