Mercedes confirms Russell and Antonelli for 2026

Mercedes introduced Wednesday it has retained its present Method 1 driver line-up of George Russell and Kimi Antonelli for the 2026 season.

The rapid futures of the 2 drivers had not been unsure in current weeks, with group principal Toto Wolff stating they’d stay the drivers though contract particulars had been nonetheless to be labored out. Nevertheless, following a 12 months by which Mercedes confirmed a transparent curiosity in Max Verstappen, the announcement of the retained line-up states each Russell and Antonelli are solely confirmed for one additional 12 months at this stage.

“Confirming our driver line-up was at all times only a matter of when, not if,” Wolff mentioned. “We wished to take our time, deal with the negotiations correctly and ensure everybody, on all sides, was joyful. I am happy now we have executed that. George and Kimi have proved a powerful pairing and we’re excited to proceed our journey collectively.

“Our focus is now on the ultimate six races of the 12 months, as we struggle for second within the constructors’, and onwards to 2026 and a brand new period in F1.”

Russell has delivered a formidable season to date, profitable two races, together with final day out in Singapore, and presently sitting fourth within the drivers’ championship. The British driver – who’s managed by Mercedes and had little flexibility to hunt a transfer elsewhere – beforehand said he wished to ensure the main points of his new contract had been centered on.

“I’m actually proud to be persevering with our journey collectively,” Russell mentioned. “Subsequent 12 months will mark my tenth since I signed with Mercedes again in 2017. It has been such an extended and profitable partnership with the group to date and I am unable to wait to see what lies forward, notably as we embark on one of many largest regulation modifications within the sport’s historical past subsequent 12 months.

“We’re all extremely centered on making {that a} success and, for me personally, constructing on what has been my strongest season in F1 so far.”

For Antonelli, the affirmation comes after an up-and-down rookie 12 months so far, however the Italian has one podium to his title and has completed within the prime 5 in every of the previous two races.

“I am tremendous excited to be persevering with with the group,” Antonelli mentioned. “I’ve realized a lot in my first season in F1, each within the good moments and the tougher ones. These have all made me stronger, not solely as a driver however as a teammate too. I wish to say thanks to Toto and everybody at Brackley and Brixworth for his or her continued assist and religion in me.

“Our focus now could be to complete this 12 months strongly and safe second within the constructors’ championship, earlier than we then flip our full consideration to 2026. There’s a lot for us nonetheless to realize in these remaining six races and we might be giving it our all.”