Montoya Questions Mercedes' Need for Verstappen After Russell's New Deal

Mercedes has officially announced new contracts for George Russell and Kimi Antonelli ahead of the United States Grand Prix, solidifying their driver lineup for the foreseeable future. This move comes after much speculation, particularly regarding Max Verstappen's potential interest in Mercedes.

Why it matters:

With both Russell and Antonelli secured, Mercedes' driver future appears settled, potentially removing them from the high-stakes pursuit of Max Verstappen. This shift allows the team to focus on developing their current talents and preparing for the upcoming regulations, rather than engaging in a prolonged driver market battle.

The Details:

• New Contracts Confirmed: Mercedes announced that George Russell and Kimi Antonelli have both signed new deals, with Russell's being a multi-year agreement, according to PlanetF1.com. Antonelli's extension is reportedly for the 2026 season, keeping his future open should Verstappen become available.
• Russell's Rising Stock: George Russell's performance has significantly improved in 2025, culminating in a victory in Singapore. This strong showing has silenced rumors of his potential departure and led to questions about the necessity of pursuing Verstappen.
• Montoya's Inquiry: Seven-time F1 Grand Prix winner Juan Pablo Montoya openly questioned whether Mercedes genuinely needs Max Verstappen given Russell's current form. He pondered, "The way George is driving, do they really need Max? And if they do, are they really going to get rid of George?"
• Antonelli's Position: Montoya believes Antonelli would be the more vulnerable driver if Mercedes were to successfully recruit Verstappen. However, he also questioned the value of replacing Antonelli, who has shown improved form with P5 in Singapore and P4 in Baku, with Verstappen, stating, "Kimi is doing a good job too so do they really need Max?"
• Toto Wolff's Satisfaction: Toto Wolff expressed his contentment with the confirmed lineup, stating, "Confirming our driver line-up was always just a matter of when, not if." He emphasized the team's focus on the remainder of the season and the new era of F1 in 2026.

Looking Ahead:

Mercedes' decision to lock in Russell and Antonelli suggests a clear direction, prioritizing internal talent development and stability. This strategy, while potentially closing the door on a future bid for Verstappen, allows them to build a cohesive team for the long term. The performance of both drivers, particularly Russell's continued ascent, will be crucial in justifying this decision as the team aims for sustained success in the Constructors' Championship and beyond.