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November 14, 2025
It is official George Russell and Kimi Antonelli will remain as Mercedes 2026 F1 driver line-up, ending months of speculation and lengthy contract negotiations.
The announcement comes ahead of this weekend’s Formula 1 United States Grand Prix reinforcing continuity within the team as it prepares for an evolving era in Formula 1.
George Russell who joined Mercedes in 2022 has been a standout performer for the Silver Arrows and part of their young driver program since 2017.
His contract was set to expire at the end of the season which led to intense market speculation especially against the backdrop of Mercedes’ earlier ambitions to sign reigning world champion Max Verstappen from Red Bull.
Verstappen’s decision to remain at Red Bull until the end of 2026, confirmed in late July, largely cleared the way for Russell’s contract extension deal with Mercedes.
Though the official announcement did not specify contract length, sources close to the team suggest Russell has signed a multi-year deal, establishing a long-term commitment to Mercedes.
Russell’s performance has been pivotal in deciding his extension. He has secured five Grand Prix victories including a dominant win in Singapore just ahead of the announcement, along with six additional podium finishes in the current season alone.
This form has positioned him as Mercedes’ clear lead driver, spearheading the team’s efforts to climb the Constructors’ Championship after often playing second fiddle to Red Bull’s unmatched speed.
“I am really proud to be continuing our journey together,” the British driver said. “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.
“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.”
Meanwhile, Kimi Antonelli who stepped into the Mercedes seat in 2025 replacing Lewis Hamilton will continue alongside Russell in 2026.
The 19-year-old Italian has exhibited growth and resilience despite a challenging rookie season marked by both highs and lows, his best being a Sprint pole position in Miami and a maiden podium after finishing third in Canada.
Other performances including a fourth place finish in Azerbaijan and a fifth in Singapore, have significantly contributed to Mercedes securing second place in the Constructors’ standings, pulling away from Ferrari and Red Bull.
“I’m super excited to be continuing with the team,” said Antonelli whose contract length is yet to be revealed. “I’ve learnt so much in my first season in F1, both in the good moments and the more challenging ones all made me stronger, not only as a driver but as a team-mate too.
“I want to say thank you to Toto Wolff 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.”
Team principal Toto Wolff emphasized the importance of patience and thorough negotiations in the process, stating: “Confirming Mercedes 2026 F1 driver line-up was always just a matter of when, not if.
“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. 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.”
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