BRACKLEY, UK – October 15, 2025 – Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team has officially confirmed its driver line-up for the 2026 season, retaining George Russell and Kimi Antonelli. This long-anticipated announcement puts an end to speculation and signals Mercedes’ strategy of stability as the sport prepares for significant regulation changes.
A Stable Foundation for a New Era
The German manufacturer announced on Wednesday, ahead of the United States Grand Prix weekend, that both Russell and his fellow Mercedes junior program graduate, Antonelli, will continue as teammates into 2026. Team Principal Toto Wolff described the confirmation as a matter of “when, not if,” emphasizing that the team took its time to “handle the negotiations properly and make sure everyone, on all sides, was happy.”
“George and Kimi have proved a strong pairing and we’re excited to continue our journey together,” Wolff stated. “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.”
George Russell: A Key Figure in Mercedes’ Future
George Russell, a British driver and a prominent figure in the trending Formula 1 sports news, has been an integral part of the Mercedes family since joining their junior program in 2017. He was promoted to the works team in 2022, and has since secured five Grand Prix victories, with his most recent triumph coming in Singapore. Russell, who is currently fourth in the 2025 Drivers’ Championship, expressed his pride in continuing his long-standing partnership with the team.
“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.”
While contract length details were not officially specified in all announcements, reports suggest Russell has signed a multi-year extension, providing him with significant security as he leads Mercedes into the new technical regulations.
Kimi Antonelli: Developing Talent for the Silver Arrows
Kimi Antonelli, a product of the Mercedes junior system since 2019, enters his second Formula 1 season in 2026. The young Italian has demonstrated flashes of brilliance in his rookie year, including a Sprint pole position in Miami and a podium finish in Canada, where he became the youngest podium finisher in F1 history. Despite facing a challenging European leg of the season, Antonelli has shown resilience and a capacity for learning, which Wolff believes makes him a strong teammate for Russell.
Antonelli conveyed his enthusiasm for his continued role: “I’m super excited to be continuing with the team. 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. I want to say thank you to Toto and everyone at Brackley and Brixworth for their continued support and faith in me.”
Strategic Driver Market Moves
The confirmation of Russell and Antonelli for 2026 comes after Mercedes explored the possibility of signing Max Verstappen. However, with Verstappen’s decision to remain at Red Bull, Mercedes turned its focus to solidifying its existing line-up, aiming for continuity as the sport heads into a new technical era. The decision to retain both drivers, who are graduates of the team’s own development program, underscores Mercedes’ commitment to nurturing its talent pipeline and building for the future.
The United Kingdom’s George Russell’s continued presence at Mercedes is a significant piece of sports news, ensuring a familiar face at the helm as the team aims to regain its championship-winning form. With the 2026 season promising significant changes, Mercedes’ strategy appears to be one of calculated stability, leveraging the proven performance of Russell alongside the developing talent of Antonelli to navigate the evolving Formula 1 landscape.
