Toto Wolff: George Russell 'Underrated' Alongside Lewis Hamilton

Mercedes CEO Toto Wolff recently revealed at the Autosport Business Exchange New York that George Russell has been significantly 'underrated' during his time alongside Lewis Hamilton. This discussion came as Mercedes confirmed contract extensions for both Russell and junior driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli for the 2026 Formula 1 season, solidifying their driver lineup amidst earlier speculation.

Why it matters:

• The contract extensions for Russell and Antonelli cement Mercedes' long-term driver strategy, moving past earlier rumors linking Max Verstappen to the team for 2026.
• Wolff's comments shed light on how Russell's performance and personality might have been overshadowed by Hamilton's immense presence, providing a new perspective on the British driver's contributions.
• For Antonelli, securing a 2026 F1 seat so early highlights Mercedes' strong belief in his potential, despite a challenging introductory season in Formula 2.

The Details:

• Contract Confirmations: Mercedes announced on October 15th that George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli have signed contract extensions through the 2026 F1 season.
• Russell's Underrated Status: Toto Wolff stated that Russell 'was always underrated' in all his years at Mercedes, attributing this partly to his 'more introverted personality' and being overshadowed by 'superstar' teammate Lewis Hamilton.
  • Wolff implied that Russell's consistent performance might have been overlooked due to Hamilton attracting a larger share of public attention and media focus.
• Antonelli's Path: Wolff acknowledged the 'tough' challenge for Antonelli in his rookie F2 season, given the complexity of the current ground effect cars and many unfamiliar tracks.
  • Highlights and Struggles: Antonelli's season included a Sprint pole in Miami and a podium in Montreal, but also 'very difficult races' and 'enormous media pressure' as an Italian driver, given the country's long wait for a World Champion.
  • Learning and Adapting: Mercedes has 'shielded him a little bit' and learned lessons from his challenging year, with Wolff anticipating a 'completely different starting point' and a 'very good one' for Antonelli next year, having gained crucial experience.

The Big Picture:

Mercedes' decision to lock in Russell and Antonelli reflects a clear strategy for the post-Hamilton era and the new 2026 regulations. By retaining Russell, they ensure continuity with a proven top-tier driver, while Antonelli represents a high-potential future investment nurtured through their junior program. This contrasts with earlier speculation about high-profile external candidates like Max Verstappen, signaling confidence in their current talent pool.

What's next:

• With the driver lineup for 2026 now settled, Mercedes can fully focus on developing their car for the new regulations, knowing their drivers are committed for the long term.
• George Russell will continue to be a key figure in Mercedes' F1 endeavors, likely taking on a more prominent leadership role as Lewis Hamilton departs.
• Andrea Kimi Antonelli's continued development in F2 will be closely watched, with expectations of a stronger sophomore season as he builds on his learning experience and prepares for his eventual F1 debut in 2026.