Mercedes Confirms Russell and Antonelli for ’26 as New F1 Rules Loom

Mercedes has confirmed that it will field an unchanged driver line-up in 2026, with George Russell and Kimi Antonelli staying at the outfit.

The announcement has been expected for several weeks, with Mercedes locking in both Russell and Antonelli in the wake of tentative discussions with Max Verstappen leading to nought.

Mercedes is second in this year’s Constructors’ Championship in the wake of Russell’s dominant victory last time out in Singapore.

“Confirming our driver line-up was always just a matter of when, not if,” said team boss Toto Wolff.

“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 stays to front the charge

Russell has been part of Mercedes’ umbrella since 2017 and stepped up to Formula 1 in 2019 with Williams while under the guidance of the manufacturer.

Russell moved to Mercedes in 2022 and has since taken five victories, emerging as one of the strongest drivers on the grid, and holds fourth position in this year’s Drivers’ Championship.

Russell’s most recent contract tied him to Mercedes through the end of 2025, with both team and driver regularly emphasizing their commitment to each other long-term.

"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.”

It is understood that Russell has signed a multi-year extension to keep him at Mercedes beyond just 2026.

Faith in Antonelli

Confirmation that Antonelli will stay with Mercedes is wholly unsurprising given the faith that the squad, and in particular boss Toto Wolff, has placed in the youngster.

Mercedes identified Antonelli as its favored candidate to replace Lewis Hamilton in early 2024, as soon as the Briton’s switch to Ferrari was revealed, despite the Italian at that stage having yet to race anything faster than Formula 3 machinery.

Antonelli enjoyed a strong start to his rookie Formula 1 season at unfamiliar grounds and has rebounded after a rocky run of form through the European phase of the campaign.

“I’m super excited to be continuing with the team,” Antonelli 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 teammate too.”

What else is left to solve?

Formula 1’s driver market has been less active this season owing to the upheaval last year, the number of racers on multi-year deals, and the overhaul of 2026 regulations meaning most teams favor stability.

The lineups of Mercedes, Ferrari, McLaren, Haas, Williams, Sauber (soon to be Audi), new-for-2026 Cadillac, and Aston Martin are locked in, with it taken as given that Lance Stroll will stay at the team owned by his father.

The occupant of the second Red Bull seat remains an unknown, given Yuki Tsunoda’s struggles since his promotion, with Racing Bulls’ Isack Hadjar the front-runner to join Verstappen.

Red Bull’s decision will have a knock-on effect at Racing Bulls, with teenage Formula 2 race winner Arvid Lindblad next off the conveyer belt to step up.

Alpine has Pierre Gasly under contract through 2028, but the identity of his teammate is to be determined; Franco Colapinto remains the favorite to be handed a stay.