Jul.25 (GMM) Toto Wolff says Mercedes is firmly planning to retain George Russell alongside championship leader Kimi Antonelli in 2027, while still refusing to rule out pairing the young Italian with Max Verstappen in the future.
Antonelli has exceeded even Mercedes’ expectations by leading the championship at just 19. “I think the boy is simply very good at processing and implementing feedback,” Wolff told Sky Deutschland in Hungary.
Russell is currently P3 in the championship and has suffered recent technical problems, but Wolff insists Mercedes’ current pairing will continue next season.
However, the Austrian left open the possibility of eventually recruiting Verstappen.
“We’re not afraid of having Max and Kimi together in the team at some point,” Wolff said.
The remark keeps Verstappen firmly in Mercedes’ longer-term thinking despite the Dutchman recently striking a calmer tone about his future at Red Bull.
Wolff also addressed Russell’s more difficult adaptation to the 2026 regulations, particularly the complex interaction between driving style and battery deployment.
“Some drivers say they enjoy it,” he said. “Others say you have to learn how to deal with it.”
“And still others say, ‘We want old-school racing. Full throttle to the corner, and whoever brakes last wins.'”
Wolff believes the Hungaroring better suits the intended character of the regulations than circuits such as Spa and Silverstone.
“Here you’re always flat out on the straights, braking as late as possible, and going through the corners as fast as you can. That’s exactly how racing has always been.”
“But a new and interesting component is where you deploy the battery.”
Experience Northern Italy like a true motorsport insider on our Italian Extravaganza, the perfect lead-in to the Italian Grand Prix. Journey through the heart of Italy’s legendary supercar region with exclusive access and behind-the-scenes insights into iconic brands like Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati, Pagani, and more. Along the way, enjoy a unique visit to a family-run balsamic vinegar producer for an authentic tasting experience. For car enthusiasts, this is the ultimate way to elevate your Italian Grand Prix weekend.
SHOW PACKAGES
Join Grand Prix Tours in Northern Italy for the unforgettable 2026 Italian Grand Prix at Monza. With over 95 years of racing history, passionate Ferrari fans, and electrifying post-race celebrations, Monza delivers one of the most thrilling weekends in motorsport. Enjoy a seamless experience with accommodations in stunning Como, airport and track transfers, and an exclusive pre-race dinner with a racing celebrity, backed by our 40+ years of expertise at this iconic event.
SHOW PACKAGES
Join Grand Prix Tours in Austin, Texas for the high-energy 2026 United States Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas. Experience nonstop action on one of Formula 1’s most exciting tracks, featuring dramatic elevation changes, thrilling overtakes, and a packed race weekend. Off the track, enjoy a festival atmosphere with live music, world-famous BBQ, and buzzing nightlife. Your Grand Prix Tours package includes a fully curated race weekend, highlighted by exclusive access to our private F1 Celebrity Talk Show, where guests gain insider insights and behind-the-scenes perspectives. With demand soaring and this event quickly becoming a modern American racing tradition, now is the time to secure your spot for an unforgettable Austin Grand Prix experience.
SHOW PACKAGES
There are motorsport events, and then there is the Indianapolis 500, the "Greatest Spectacle in Racing." Next year marks Grand Prix Tours' 42nd Indianapolis 500 tour and our decades of experience and local connections provide exclusive access that few fans ever enjoy, including police escorts on race day, a Dallara IndyCar Factory tour, Gasoline Alley and Legends Day, the Driver Introduction Ceremony, and a private dinner with former Indy driver Derek Daly. Combined with excellent hotel accommodations, seamless event planning, and Grand Prix Tours' signature service, this is far more than a race weekend; it's a once-in-a-lifetime motorsport experience. With tour spaces limited each year, we encourage you to reserve your place early for the 111th Indianapolis 500.
SHOW PACKAGES
Experience Formula 1 at its most iconic with an unforgettable trip to the 2027 Grand Prix de Monaco. Feel the excitement as the world’s best drivers race through the legendary streets of Monte Carlo, surrounded by superyachts, Mediterranean views, and the unmistakable glamour of Monaco. From incredible race viewing to carefully selected accommodations, Grand Prix Tours brings you closer to the action at one of the most prestigious and spectacular events in all of motorsport.
SHOW PACKAGES