F1 Journalist Reveals 'Paddock Rumours' over Shock Mercedes Driver Change

A Formula 1 journalist has revealed paddock rumours surrounding Mercedes' driver line-up.

After months of speculation, Mercedes finally announced new deals for both George Russell and Kimi Antonelli.

Team boss Toto Wolff said: "Confirming our driver line-up was always just a matter of when, not if. We wanted to take our time, handle the negotiations properly and make sure everyone, on all sides, was happy. I'm pleased we have done that.

"George and Kimi have proved a strong pairing and we're excited to continue our journey together. Our focus is now on the final six races of the year, as we fight for second in the Constructors' Championship, and onwards to 2026 and a new era in F1."

This week, prior to the United States Grand Prix in Austin, Texas, Russell was asked about the length of his contract.

He joked: "Oh, it’s a long one, I think it’s about 52 pages roughly," before saying: "No, no, no, it’s multi-year. Obviously, a contract is a very, sort of, private and personal thing. So, of course, I’m not going to be every single detail."

As reported by F1 Oversteer, while speaking on ESPN's Unlapped podcast, F1 journalist Nate Saunders has revealed that paddock rumours have linked Charles Leclerc to a potential move to Mercedes, with youngster Antonelli at risk of being dropped.

Leclerc, 28, has recently been linked with a move away from Ferrari due to the Scuderia's continued struggles.

Charles Leclerc has been linked with a move away from Ferrari. Image: Getty

Saunders also touched on Antonelli's potential contract length compared to Russell, which could put him at risk if Wolff wants a driver change.

He said: "What was interesting about it, though, was that there was the suggestion of a multi-year deal. The conventional wisdom in the paddock has been for a while that George would get a one-year deal to kind of free them up to get Max maybe down the line.

"But I think that’s now where the pressure has gone towards Antonelli. He’s got a one-year deal, and if he doesn’t perform next year, I think Wolff looks to move him on."

Saunders added: "Not just for Verstappen, but we’ve heard these rumours a little bit about Charles Leclerc maybe wanting to go elsewhere from Ferrari out there."