Mercedes announced Wednesday it has retained its current Formula 1 driver line-up of George Russell and Kimi Antonelli for the 2026 season.
The immediate futures of the two drivers had not been in doubt in recent weeks, with team principal Toto Wolff stating they would remain the drivers even though contract details were still to be worked out. However, following a year in which Mercedes showed a clear interest in Max Verstappen, the announcement of the retained line-up states both Russell and Antonelli are only confirmed for one further year at this stage.
“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, 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.”
Russell has delivered an impressive season so far, winning two races, including last time out in Singapore, and currently sitting fourth in the drivers’ championship. The British driver – who is managed by Mercedes and had little flexibility to seek a move elsewhere – previously stated he wanted to make sure the details of his new contract were focused on.
“I am really proud to be continuing our journey together,” Russell 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.”
For Antonelli, the confirmation comes after an up-and-down rookie year to date, but the Italian has one podium to his name and has finished in the top five in each of the past two races.
“I’m super excited to be continuing with the team,” Antonelli said. “I’ve learned 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 teammate too. 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.”
