Toto Wolff has asserted that ensuring all parties were content with the terms of its drivers' contracts resulted in a delay of the extension announcement.
Mercedes confirmed on Wednesday that George Russell and Kimi Antonelli will stay at the team next year.
The declaration follows months of speculation surrounding the line-up, particularly on Russell's side, whose position was under question as Mercedes flirted with bringing Max Verstappen on board.
However, when it became apparent late-summer that Verstappen would remain at Red Bull, it seemed a formality that Russell and Antonelli would not be displaced for 2026.
Having finally agreed terms, Wolff declared the team's line-up was never in doubt.
"Confirming our driver line-up was always just a matter of when, not if,” he said.
“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.”
Russell has won two grands prix this year, while Antonelli bagged his maiden F1 podium in Canada earlier this season.
Wolff outlined the squad's end-of-season goal is to hold onto second place in the constructors' championship as it builds towards the sport's regulation change next season.
“George and Kimi have proved a strong pairing and we're excited to continue our journey together,” Wolff added.
“Our focus is now on the final six races of the year, as we fight for second in the Constructors', and onwards to 2026 and a new era in F1."
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