18 October, 2025
mercedes-retains-russell-and-antonelli-for-2026-formula-1-season

Mercedes has confirmed that it will maintain its current driver line-up for the 2026 Formula 1 season, announcing contract extensions for both George Russell and Kimi Antonelli. This decision follows extensive negotiations, particularly after the team’s pursuit of reigning world champion Max Verstappen from Red Bull earlier this year. Verstappen, however, officially stated in late July that he would remain with Red Bull until at least the end of 2026, which strongly suggested that Mercedes would stick with its existing drivers.

While the specifics of the contract lengths for Russell and Antonelli were not disclosed, Mercedes emphasized that both drivers are confirmed for the 2026 season. This announcement keeps the possibility open for future negotiations regarding Verstappen, whose current contract with Red Bull extends to 2028 but is believed to contain performance clauses.

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff expressed satisfaction with the decision, stating, “Confirming our 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.” He added, “George and Kimi have proved a strong pairing and we’re excited to continue our journey together.”

As the season progresses, Mercedes is focused on the remaining six races while vying for second place in the constructors’ championship. Wolff remarked on the significance of this period, noting the need to prepare for a new era in Formula 1 slated for 2026.

Russell’s Strong Season and Future Aspirations

The announcement comes on the heels of Russell’s fifth career victory, achieved at the Singapore Grand Prix. The 27-year-old British driver has demonstrated impressive consistency, securing seven pole positions, 23 podium finishes, and one Sprint victory over his seven seasons in the sport. Reflecting on the contract extension, Russell shared his enthusiasm, stating, “I am really proud to be continuing our journey together. 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.”

Russell’s confidence is bolstered by what he describes as his strongest season to date, and he aims to build on this momentum as the team transitions into new regulations.

Antonelli’s Growth Amid Challenges

On the other hand, Antonelli, a 19-year-old Italian driver, has faced a challenging rookie season. Initially seen as a generational talent, he has struggled to meet the high expectations set for him. Throughout this season, Russell has consistently outperformed Antonelli, finishing ahead in all 18 races thus far and accumulating 237 championship points compared to Antonelli’s 88 points.

Despite a mid-season slump that raised questions about his future with the team, Antonelli has recently shown improvement, achieving top-five finishes in the last two races. He expressed his excitement for continuing with Mercedes, stating, “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.”

As the Formula 1 season heads back to North America, the next race will be the United States Grand Prix, scheduled for October 17-19, 2023. This event will be crucial for teams and drivers as they continue their pursuit of championship points and prepare for the season’s conclusion.