Mercedes have officially confirmed that George Russell and teenage sensation Kimi Antonelli will remain their Formula 1 drivers for the 2026 season, extending a partnership that team principal Toto Wolff described as “strong and full of potential.”
The announcement was made ahead of the United States Grand Prix weekend and comes just over a week after Russell’s dominant victory in Singapore, his second win of the 2025 campaign. With the news now public, Mercedes can fully focus on the final six races of the year as they battle Ferrari for second place in the Constructors’ Championship.
Continuity Over Change
“Confirming our driver line-up was always just a matter of when, not if,” Wolff said. “We wanted to take our time, handle the negotiations properly, and make sure everyone was happy. George and Kimi have proved a strong pairing, and we’re excited to continue our journey together.”
The Austrian boss had explored the possibility of signing Red Bull’s Max Verstappen earlier in the year, but once the reigning world champion confirmed his long-term commitment to Red Bull, Mercedes’ decision to stay with their current line-up became inevitable.
Russell’s contract talks were reportedly the more complex of the two, as the Briton sought improved terms following his impressive performances this season. Mercedes did not disclose the length of his new deal, saying only that both drivers will continue “into 2026.”
Russell’s Rising Influence
For Russell, remaining with Mercedes marks another chapter in a long-standing relationship that began when he joined the team’s junior programme in 2017. Now a two-time race winner in 2025 and sitting fourth in the drivers’ standings, the 27-year-old believes the team’s best days are ahead.
“I’m really proud to be continuing our journey together,” Russell said. “Next year will mark my tenth year with Mercedes. It’s been such a long and successful partnership, and I can’t wait to see what lies ahead—especially with the new regulations coming in.
“This has been my strongest season in Formula 1, and I’m determined to keep pushing as we head into a new era for the sport.”
The 2026 campaign will introduce sweeping regulation changes for both engines and chassis, with the goal of making the series more sustainable and competitive. Mercedes, like all teams, face uncertainty about their competitiveness under the new rules.
Antonelli Learning Fast
For 19-year-old Kimi Antonelli, the renewal caps off a whirlwind debut season in F1. The Italian prodigy replaced Lewis Hamilton, who departed for Ferrari, and despite a few rookie setbacks, he has shown flashes of brilliance.
Antonelli claimed pole position for the Miami sprint race in May and earned his first podium in Canada, where Russell also won. However, a series of errors over the European rounds—including a difficult Italian Grand Prix—led Wolff to publicly call his performance “underwhelming.”
Since then, Antonelli has rebounded with strong finishes in Baku and Singapore, showing maturity and growth as he adapts to the sport’s demands.
“I’m super-excited to be continuing with the team,” Antonelli said. “I’ve learned so much in my first season—both from the good moments and the tough ones. Those experiences have made me stronger as a driver and a team-mate.
“I want to thank Toto and everyone at Brackley and Brixworth for their faith in me. I’m determined to keep improving and help push the team forward.”
Eyes on the Future
Mercedes’ commitment to Russell and Antonelli signals stability heading into F1’s new technical era. With Red Bull’s Verstappen, McLaren’s Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris, and Ferrari’s Hamilton all locked in elsewhere, the Silver Arrows have chosen continuity and long-term growth.
As Wolff put it: “George and Kimi represent the present and future of Mercedes. They are both hungry, talented, and united in their ambition to bring this team back to the top.”
With the 2025 season nearing its conclusion, Mercedes’ eyes are already on 2026—when a new chapter begins, powered by a familiar and confident pairing.
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