Russell and Antonelli to continue at Mercedes for 2026

Written by Rohan Brown, Edited by Meghana Sree

George Russell and Kimi Antonelli have signed much-awaited new contracts with Mercedes, remaining with the Brackley and Brixworth-based team for the new regulatory era in 2026.

The Mercedes lineup for 2026 | Credit: Formula One

George Russell and Kimi Antonelli will continue as Mercedes teammates into the 2026 season, going into their second year as teammates.

Expressing his thoughts on the signings, Team Principal and CEO Toto Wolff commented:

"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.

"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 added his thoughts on the decision to continue in his 10th year as a Mercedes driver, saying:

"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.

"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."

Antonelli echoed Russell’s comments, stating his happiness to continue reaping the benefits of being in the Mercedes camp into 2026:

"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.

“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.”

Russell joined the team on a full-time basis in 2022, replacing the outgoing Valtteri Bottas at the beginning of the ground effect era. The Briton has been an instrumental addition to the team, securing their only win of the 2022 season in Brazil as well as numerous podiums and recent victories in Austria (2024) and Canada (2025).

Antonelli joined the team this year, taking up the heavy mantle of replacing seven-time Drivers’ Champion Lewis Hamilton. Only in his rookie season, the Italian driver has already scored a sprint pole in Miami and a podium at Canada - becoming the third-youngest podium finisher ever in Formula One.

This announcement means that yet another lineup has been secured for the upcoming 2026 regulations, whilst also silencing speculation of who will drive for the Silver Arrows next year.

Furthermore, these contract extensions also represent the trust placed in Russell to continue being the senior driver and team leader, and the ongoing belief the team has in Antonelli to continue developing as a driver.

With the 2026 regulations on the horizon, locking in both their current drivers for the years to come demonstrates how Mercedes want to build on their success from the ground effect era and challenge at the top in 2026 and beyond.

Russell and Antonelli's continuity for a second year as teammates leaves only four seats yet to be decided for 2026: The Red Bull seat alongside four-time champion Max Verstappen, both Racing Bulls seats, and the lone seat at Alpine alongside Pierre Gasly.