Antonelli adamant he’s ‘not really worried’ as Mercedes rookie is questioned on contract reports

Kimi Antonelli has no concerns over his Formula 1 future with Mercedes, despite the Italian rookie and experienced team mate George Russell not yet being confirmed at the Silver Arrows for the 2026 season.

Antonelli is almost halfway through his debut campaign after replacing seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton in Mercedes’ driver line-up – highlights so far including a Sprint pole in Miami and podium finish in Canada.

However, neither 18-year-old Antonelli nor 27-year-old Russell have been announced as Mercedes drivers beyond 2025, as media reports continue to link F1 title holder Max Verstappen with Toto Wolff’s squad.

With Russell recently speaking of “conversations” between Mercedes and Verstappen, and the Briton’s assertion that “I don’t think I’ll be going anywhere”, Antonelli was asked where he stands with the team and his future.

“I’m not really worried about myself, I’m just trying to focus as much as possible on what I have to do to deliver the best performance as possible,” explained Antonelli. “I think the team has given me a lot of trust and is still doing so, and they’re also giving me time to grow.

“On my side, I think last weekend was not the best, but at the same time I’m really trying to work on my weak points, to try and reduce the [number] of mistakes.

“Of course, there’s a lot going on and a lot of talks, but at the end of the day, I’m just trying to focus on myself and deliver the best job as possible.”

Antonelli was then quizzed on the amicable scenes between himself and Verstappen after the youngster ran into the back of the Dutchman’s car on the opening lap last time out in Austria – and the importance of keeping good relations should they become team mates going forward.

“To be honest, I wasn’t really thinking about that,” he said. “I think it was just a way to show respect and to also... I acknowledge straight away that I did a mistake and obviously it was on me.

“I was sorry towards my team as well, because finishing a race on Lap 1 is never good, but also I took out Max, which was obviously not the plan. It was not on purpose and I just felt sorry towards him as well.

“Definitely I went to apologise to show respect and that I was sorry about what happened, but he was very nice towards me as well – he was very open and he understood my message.”

As for the weekend ahead, Antonelli is excited to get back behind the wheel at a Silverstone Circuit that brought his maiden Formula 2 victory last season.

“I’m very excited ahead of this weekend,” he commented. “I think Silverstone is always a very special one because the atmosphere is just incredible.

“I think it’s a good weekend to bounce back, especially after the difficult race in Austria, so I’m very excited to hit the track tomorrow and see what we’re going to be able to do.”