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.

But speaking with Austrian outlet ORF ahead of this weekend’s Belgian Grand Prix, Mercedes boss Toto Wolff made it clear that the team’s “priority” is their current driver lineup, George Russell and rookie Kimi Antonelli. “The direction is that we want to continue with George and Kimi. That’s our top priority,” said Wolff.

Mercedes chief Toto Wolff has broken his silence on the possibility of signing Max Verstappen, as he confirmed George Russell and Kimi Antonelli are the 'absolute priority'

Rosberg, who worked under Wolff at Mercedes before retiring from F1, offered the Austrian some advice to drag Antonelli out of his slump. “What I would do in Toto’s case would be signing a contract with him,” the 2016 world champion said.

Toto Wolff is prepared to lose Valtteri Bottas as the Finn edges close to a return to F1. Bottas has been heavily linked with a return to the F1 grid in 2026. The 10-time F1 grand prix winner has reportedly held talks with Cadillac over possibly spearheading their project. Bottas also has a chance to return to the F1 grid this season.

Toto Wolff is hoping the 2026 F1 rule changes can get Mercedes back to winning ways. But there's much more he must consider too

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has played down rumours that he recently met Red Bull driver Max Verstappen in Sardinia to seal a deal for the F1 2026 season. Verstappen has been heavily linked with a move to Mercedes for next season over recent weeks despite being officially under contract with Red Bull until the end of 2028.

The team principal is an executive producer of this summer’s ‘F1 The Movie‘ starring Brad Pitt

Speaking to Austrian broadcaster ORF, Mercedes boss Wolff has said continuing with Russell and Antonelli is the "absolute priority" for him, and has played down any "big surprises" over the summer break. "Discussions have been taking place over the last weeks and months, so they are all up to date," Wolff said.