But speaking with Austrian outlet ORF ahead of this weekend’s Belgian Grand Prix, Mercedes boss Toto Wolff made it clear that the team’s “priority” is their current driver lineup, George Russell and rookie Kimi Antonelli. “The direction is that we want to continue with George and Kimi. That’s our top priority,” said Wolff.

Rosberg, who worked under Wolff at Mercedes before retiring from F1, offered the Austrian some advice to drag Antonelli out of his slump. “What I would do in Toto’s case would be signing a contract with him,” the 2016 world champion said.

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has named George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli as the team's priority for the 2026 Formula One season. The revelation comes after Max Verstappen was strongly linked to Mercedes.

Mercedes chief Toto Wolff has broken his silence on the possibility of signing Max Verstappen, as he confirmed George Russell and Kimi Antonelli are the 'absolute priority'

Speaking to Austrian broadcaster ORF, Mercedes boss Wolff has said continuing with Russell and Antonelli is the "absolute priority" for him, and has played down any "big surprises" over the summer break. "Discussions have been taking place over the last weeks and months, so they are all up to date," Wolff said.

Toto Wolff has never been one to hold back his opinions on the major talking points in Formula 1. Wolff has built a strong reputation in business, and his involvement with Mercedes has helped turn them into one of the sport’s most dominant teams.

George Russell is out of contract at the end of the season and Mercedes have been courting Max Verstappen amid ongoing speculation that he could walk away from Red Bull

Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff addressed the never-ending rumors claiming Ferrari will fire team principal Fred Vasseur.