Kimi Antonelli addresses Mercedes future as Max Verstappen links grow

Kimi Antonelli has addressed his own Mercedes future as speculation grows around team-mate George Russell. Both Russell and Antonelli have contracts which expire at the end of the current season, with Mercedes openly courting Max Verstappen to try and lure him away from Red Bull.  Much of the speculation has Russell potentially being the driver to lose his seat if Verstappen is signed, but Antonelli was only given a one-year contract for his rookie season as Lewis Hamilton's replacement.  Addressing a potential situation of it being him and not Russell to make way should Verstappen join the team, Antonelli was sure Mercedes would simply do its "best for the future." "I mean, obviously, there is a lot going on," Antonelli began when questioned by RacingNews365 as to what assurances he had received of staying at Mercedes for 2026. "But I am sure the team is doing their best to provide for the future as well, because they're obviously not just looking at next year, but also looking for the future as well.  "There are a lot of talks going on, but my goal is just to try and do my best, no matter what." The Italian also confirmed that no talks were being held with any other team and was confident that the team "had trust" in him after a mixed first half of his rookie campaign.