George Russell has been told he faces a 2026 shootout with Mercedes youngster keimy an tanelli next year as totto wolf looks to the future. George Russell has been warned he could be ousted by Mercedes boss Toto wolf it has been confirmed Russell will be partnered by teenager Kimmy Antonelli from 2025 replacing Ferrari bound Lewis Hamilton Antonelli a member of Mercedes young driver program has been in pole position for the seat since Hamilton's bombshell decision to leave the team he has won six of his 7 F1 titles with however wolf delayed announcing the Italian as he pursued world champion Max for stappen whose future has been questioned amid the behind the- scenes turmoil at Red Bull while the Dutchman moving to Mercedes as soon as next year has been discounted it does look possible for 2026 when new regulations which could shake up the competitive order will be introduced Dot and while there remains a chance to sign ver stappen wolf will not give up on trying to get him because it's not in his character according to former Mercedes driver Niko rosberg therefore Russell has been warned he could face a shootout against Antonelli next year do George Russell is not safe at all because Toto still wants Max and he will try again for 2026 said the 2016 World Champion during Sky Sports coverage of the Italian Grand Prix EX