Mercedes officially confirms Russell and Antonelli line-up for 2026

Mercedes has officially confirmed that George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli will continue driving for the Brackley-based team in 2026, ending months of speculation about potential changes to its Formula 1 lineup.

The decision, long anticipated within the paddock, pairs once again experience with youthful promise as the sport heads toward a sweeping new set of regulations.

Russell, a Mercedes junior since 2017, will embark on his eighth Formula 1 season and fifth with the factory outfit, while 19-year-old Antonelli will look to build on a turbulent but promising rookie campaign.

Russell: “A Long and Successful Partnership”

For Russell, the announcement marks another milestone in what has become one of the sport’s most enduring team-driver partnerships.

“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.”

Currently sitting fourth in the drivers’ standings, Russell has played a major role in Mercedes’ push to secure second place in the constructors’ championship – a position that underscores the team’s steady return to form.

Antonelli: “Those Moments Have Made Me Stronger”

For Antonelli, the 2026 season will be another opportunity to convert flashes of speed into consistent results. Though his debut year proved more challenging than expected, the young Italian has shown glimpses of his prodigious potential, with a podium in Canada and two top-five finishes in recent races.

“I'm super excited to be continuing with the team,” the Italian said. “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.

“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.”

Wolff: “Just a matter of when, not if”

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff confirmed that the deal had been a formality, even if discussions stretched on longer than expected.

“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.”

Read also:

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