Mercedes has put an end to months of speculation by officially confirming that George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli will stay with the Brackley-based F1 team for the upcoming 2026 season. This strategic decision intertwines the veteran experience of Russell with the youthful potential of Antonelli, as Formula 1 braces for a major overhaul in regulations.
As a long-standing member of the Mercedes family since 2017, Russell is set to enter his eighth year in Formula 1 and his fifth with the team. He is looking forward to the challenges that the new regulations will bring.
"I am really proud to be continuing our journey together," said Russell. "Next year will mark my 10th since I signed with Mercedes back in 2017. It has been such a long and successful partnership with the team so far and I can't wait to see what lies ahead, particularly as we embark on one of the largest regulation changes in the sport's history next year."
-competes-with-Ferraris-Monegasque-driver-Charles-Leclerc.jpeg?trim=0,0,0,0&width=1200&height=800&crop=1200:800)
Russell is currently fourth in the drivers’ standings, playing a significant role in Mercedes' campaign for second place in the constructors' championship. His commitment to achieve even greater results reflects the team's resurgence after previous challenges.
For Antonelli, the upcoming season represents a critical moment to build on the foundation laid during his debut year. The 19-year-old Italian showed flashes of brilliance despite facing challenges, securing a podium finish in Canada along with two top-five results in recent races.
"I'm super excited to be continuing with the team," Antonelli expressed. "I've learnt so much in my first season in F1, both in the good moments and the more challenging ones. Those have all made me stronger, not only as a driver but as a team-mate too."
He went on to express gratitude toward the leadership at Mercedes, including team principal Toto Wolff, for their ongoing support. "I want to say thank you to Toto and everyone at Brackley and Brixworth for their continued support and faith in me. Our focus now is to finish this year strongly and secure second in the constructors' championship, before we then turn our full attention to 2026. There's plenty for us still to achieve in these final six races and we will be giving it our all."
Wolff shared insights into the confirmation process, suggesting that the decision was always destined to happen.
"Confirming our driver line-up was always just a matter of when, not if," said Wolff. "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."
He also highlighted the immediate goals, stating, "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."
As the 2026 season approaches, expectations for both Russell and Antonelli are high, and their continued partnership could define a pivotal era for Mercedes in Formula 1. With changes on the horizon, the team is keen to leverage the strengths of their driver duo in pursuit of success.
