Toto Wolff Has 'Already Picked' His Preferred Teammate For Max Verstappen at Mercedes

A dramatic potential shift in the F1 landscape is unfolding as Mercedes considers a future with Max Verstappen. This could lead to punters betting on Verstappen's move to Mercedes and the impact of that decision on team dynamics, given the performance of both George Russell and the rising star Kimi Antonelli.

A relatively rare DNF in Austria would normally be the headline grabber for four-time F1 champion Max Verstappen, but continued discussions about his Red Bull future, and the potential for a shock move to one of their title rivals, continues to take precedence.

Mercedes team principal, Toto Wolff, is eager to bring Verstappen to his team for the 2026 season, but with the quality of the two drivers currently occupying their seats, choosing who to release in favour of the Dutch driver is a difficult decision for Wolff.

George Russell vs Kimi Antonelli

George Russell is in the form of his life, having landed four podiums and one win in the opening 11 races of the season. This leaves him fourth in the standings, only nine points behind his potential replacement, Verstappen.

Meanwhile, rookie Kimi Antonelli is already delivering on his potential. The 18-year-old Italian became the youngest pole-sitter in any format when he clinched the top spot in Miami in May.

George Russell vs Kimi Antonelli in 2025 so far (as of 02/07/25)

Grand Prix George Russell Kimi Antonelli Australian GP 3rd 4th Chinese GP 3rd 6th Japanese GP 5th 6th Bahrain GP 2nd 11th Saudi Arabian GP 5th 6th Miami GP 3rd 6th Emilia-Romagna GP 7th DNF Monaco GP 11th 18th Spanish GP 4th DNF Canadian GP 1st 3rd Austrian GP 5th DNF

Last month, he then picked up his first podium in Canada, holding off a charging championship leader in Oscar Piastri to make history. The teenage sensation became the third-youngest podium finisher in F1 history, behind only Lance Stroll and Verstappen on that list.

The two drivers present different strengths to the team, making the decision extremely difficult. Russell, now in his seventh full season, continues to grow in skill and confidence. If Mercedes can cut the performance gap to McLaren and Red Bull in the second half of the season, Russell's form suggests that he could consistently challenge for race victories.

However, Antonelli is clearly a driver for the future. At only 18, he's already scoring points consistently. But as Karun Chandhok points out, Antonelli will only develop at the rate that Mercedes want if he gets consistent time in the car.

While Verstappen has made a fair few enemies in the F1 paddock, his latest feud with Russell is something that Wolff and co. will have to consider in their crunch decision. Following a heated exchange of personal insults during the concluding stages of last season, Russell and Verstappen controversially collided at the Spanish Grand Prix last month. The incident saw the Dutchman punished with a 10-second penalty, demoting him to 10th while Russell finished fourth.

Driver rivalries, of course, are not unfamiliar territory for Toto Wolff. During Mercedes' most dominant era, he played peacemaker in the explosive partnership of Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg. While Wolff managed the rivals through their biggest clashes to championship success, it's a scenario that Mercedes will not be looking to repeat.

Toto Wolff's Decision

With Mercedes and Wolff desperate to add Verstappen to their ranks, it will see them have to make a decision on the futures of Russell and Antonelli, and, according to a report from Bild, that decision has already been made. It states that Wolff isn't prepared to damage the future of Antonelli, and that there will be 'no room' at Mercedes for Russell should Verstappen complete the move.

So there you have it, according to reports, Wolff has chosen Antonelli over Russell, and in his vision, the dream pairing for Mercedes in the years to come is Max Verstappen and Kimi Antonelli. After another disastrous weekend around the laps of Austria, one Formula 1 driver continues to struggle, which could see him lose his seat.

Wolff has his eyes on Verstappen, and he's already planning who his teammate will be.

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