Mercedes Confirm Russell and Antonelli for 2026 F1 Season

Mercedes has officially announced that George Russell and Kimi Antonelli will remain with the team for the 2026 Formula 1 season, following contract extensions for both drivers. This decision comes after earlier attempts by Mercedes to sign Max Verstappen, which had cast uncertainty over their driver lineup.

Why it matters:

• Securing Russell and Antonelli brings stability to Mercedes' future driver lineup, especially as F1 prepares for significant regulation changes in 2026. This continuity is crucial for team development and long-term strategy.
• The confirmation allows Mercedes to focus entirely on car development and performance improvements without the distraction of driver market speculation.

The Details:

• Contract Extensions: Both George Russell and Kimi Antonelli have agreed to new deals, ensuring their presence at Mercedes through at least the 2026 season.
• Verstappen's Influence: The negotiations were prolonged due to Mercedes' earlier pursuit of Max Verstappen. His decision in late July to stay with Red Bull until at least the end of 2026 paved the way for these agreements.
• Russell's Performance: George Russell's recent victory at the Singapore Grand Prix marks his fifth career F1 win. The 27-year-old Brit also boasts seven pole positions and 23 podium finishes in his seven seasons.
• Antonelli's Rookie Season: Kimi Antonelli, 19, has faced a challenging rookie year, initially struggling to meet high expectations as he stepped into Lewis Hamilton's former seat. He has consistently finished behind Russell in all 18 races this season, scoring 88 points to Russell's 237.
• Recent Improvement: Antonelli's form has seen a recent upturn, including two top-five finishes in the last two races, which helped alleviate mounting pressure on the young Italian.

What's next:

With the driver lineup confirmed, Mercedes can now fully concentrate on the remainder of the current season and the crucial development work for the 2026 regulations. The team will be looking for Antonelli to build on his recent improvements and for Russell to continue his strong performances as they aim to challenge for championships in the coming years. The F1 season continues with the United States Grand Prix in Austin from October 17-19.