MERCEDES CONTINUES WITH GEORGE RUSSELL AND KIMI ANTONELLI FOR THE 2026 FORMULA 1 SEASON
Mercedes officially announced on Wednesday the contract extensions of George Russell and Kimi Antonelli for the 2026 Formula 1 season, confirming the continuity of its driver line-up ahead of the new regulatory era.
After several weeks of speculation, the Brackley-based team has finally ended the suspense. Russell will continue his journey with Mercedes for another year, as will Andrea Kimi Antonelli, despite a challenging European campaign.
“George and Kimi have proved a strong pairing and we’re excited to continue our journey together” said Toto Wolff, Team Principal, highlighting the strength and balance of his two drivers. “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.”
Russell extends the story, Antonelli settles in
Having joined Mercedes in 2022, George Russell will enter his fifth season with the Silver Arrows in 2026. The Briton, winner of the most recent Singapore Grand Prix, continues to establish himself as a key figure in Mercedes’ long-term project.
His new contract, however, runs for one season only, with an option for an additional year, a structure that offers Mercedes some flexibility heading into 2027.
Alongside him, Kimi Antonelli, aged 19, will continue his development after a promising rookie campaign. The young Italian, a product of the Mercedes Junior Team, has quickly earned the team’s trust with a pole position and a podium finish to his name.
“I am really proud to be continuing our journey together” said Russell. “We are all incredibly focused on making that a success and, for me personally, building on what has been my strongest season in F1 to date.”
Stability before the 2026 revolution
With this announcement, Mercedes opts for stability ahead of a major turning point for Formula 1. The 2026 season will introduce a new set of technical and engine regulations, and the German outfit has chosen to rely on an already cohesive pairing to face that transition.
The Mercedes line-up is now set, reflecting the team’s confidence in its drivers and its desire to maintain continuity heading into the sport’s next era.
Only four seats remain available on the 2026 grid, one each at Alpine and Red Bull, and two at Racing Bulls. According to our informations, Arvid Lindblad is expected to sign with Racing Bulls for the 2026 Formula 1 season and Franco Colapinto is expected to continue with French team Alpine in 2026.
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