Mercedes confirm George Russell and Kimi Antonelli for 2026 Formula 1 Season

Mercedes have officially announced that George Russell and Kimi Antonelli will remain their drivers for the 2026 Formula 1 season.  

The news ends months of speculation about the team’s future lineup after Mercedes tried, but failed, to sign world champion Max Verstappen from Red Bull earlier this year.  

While Mercedes did not reveal the exact length of either driver’s contract, reports suggest that Russell has agreed to a new multi-year deal, securing his long-term future with the team.  

Antonelli’s agreement ensures that the young Italian will stay with Mercedes for at least another season as he continues his development in Formula 1.  

Team principal Toto Wolff said the decision was never in doubt but explained that the team wanted to complete negotiations carefully and ensure all parties were satisfied.  

He praised both drivers for their commitment and teamwork, describing them as a strong pairing who represent the future of Mercedes.  

Wolff added that the team’s immediate focus is on finishing the 2025 season on a high note as they battle for second place in the Constructors’ Championship.  

The confirmation also leaves open the possibility of future changes, since Verstappen’s Red Bull contract reportedly includes performance clauses that could allow him to move from 2027.  

Russell’s new deal comes during one of his most successful seasons in Formula 1, highlighted by his victory at the Singapore Grand Prix earlier this year.  

Since joining Mercedes in 2022, the 27-year-old British driver has earned seven pole positions, 23 podium finishes, and one Sprint race win.  

Russell said he is proud to continue his journey with Mercedes, noting that 2026 will mark ten years since he first joined the team’s junior program.  

He said he is excited about the upcoming rule changes that will reshape Formula 1, calling them one of the biggest transformations in the sport’s history.  

Antonelli, who replaced Lewis Hamilton at the start of the 2025 season, has faced a challenging debut year as he adapts to life in Formula 1.  

The 19-year-old struggled early in the season but has recently shown progress with consistent top-five finishes and a Sprint pole position in Miami, where he became the youngest pole sitter in F1 history.  

Antonelli said he is thrilled to continue with Mercedes and believes the lessons learned in his first season have made him stronger both as a driver and as a teammate.  

With major technical changes coming in 2026, Mercedes hope the combination of Russell’s experience and Antonelli’s potential will help them return to the front of the grid.