According to Toto Wolff, it is still far too early to commit to one driver in the drivers’ championship – Kimi Antonelli is also not yet thinking about a possible title fight
After the first three races of the 2026 Formula 1 season, it looks like it could come down to an internal Mercedes duel for the world title this year. This is because Mercedes is still unbeaten under the new regulations for the premier class.
George Russell won the season opener in Australia, while Kimi Antonelli came out on top twice in China and Japan. Russell also won the sprint in Shanghai. However, Toto Wolff is not yet talking about a possible title fight between his two drivers.
“First of all, we have to keep our feet on the ground,” the team boss clarifies and reminds us: “We have three races behind us, the car is running well, so we have to continue to do our job and provide them with a car that they can continue to win with.”
Because that could change quickly, according to Wolff, who expects that the opponents could soon get closer. When asked, the Austrian therefore makes it clear that it is still far too early at this stage of the season to commit to a rider in the world championship.
“Towards the end of the season we will see how the points standings develop and whether anything needs to be done,” explains the team boss, “but at this point we are giving both of them absolutely free rein,” he emphasizes.
Antonelli: World championship fight not yet an issue
This approach is nothing new at Mercedes. When Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg duelled for the world championship title three years in a row between 2014 and 2016, the Silver Arrows also always gave the two drivers the same opportunities.
Antonelli himself, meanwhile, also emphasizes that he is not yet thinking about a possible world championship duel. “No, to be honest, I’m not thinking about it,” he says with regard to a possible title fight against his more experienced team-mate.
“I will just concentrate on myself, on what I have to do, and try to do everything right in terms of procedures, starts and driving,” says the Italian, who also warns: “I think Ferrari and McLaren will get closer.”
Like Team Principal Wolff, he therefore also emphasizes that Mercedes’ first priority now is to keep the competition at bay. Antonelli leads the drivers’ championship for the first time in his young career after his victory in Suzuka with 72 points.
Russell is nine points behind his team-mate, while Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc, the best non-Mercedes driver in third place, is currently 23 points behind Antonelli.
