Mercedes confirmed they will retain their current driver line-up for the 2026 Formula 1 season as contract extensions for George Russell and Kimi Antonelli were announced.
Both drivers’ futures with the team were thrown into doubt by Mercedes’ attempts earlier this year to sign reigning world champion Max Verstappen from Red Bull.
Verstappen confirming in late July that he would stay with Red Bull until at least the end of 2026 appeared to make it a formality that Mercedes’ line-up would remain unchanged, but it has taken several months of negotiations for the deals to be agreed.
Interestingly. Mercedes did not make specific mention in their announcement of contract length for Russell and Antonelli, simply saying the pair were confirmed for 2026.
It theoretically leaves the door open again for Verstappen from 2027. Although the reigning world champion’s Red Bull contract runs to the end of 2028, it is understood to contain performance clauses.
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff said: “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.”
‘I can’t wait to see what lies ahead’ – Russell excited for Mercedes future
The announcement follows the fifth grand prix victory of Russell’s Formula 1 career, which came at the Singapore Grand Prix.
The 27-year-old Brit has also recorded seven pole positions, 23 grand prix podium finishes and one Sprint victory during his seven seasons in motorsport’s elite category.
“I am really proud to be continuing our journey together,” said Russell.
“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 has endured a challenging rookie campaign, with the Italian teenager so far failing to produce the level of performance many expected from a driver billed as a generational talent.
The 19-year-old was fast-tracked into one of the sport’s most desirable seats to replace Lewis Hamilton as the seven-time world champion left to join Ferrari.
Russell has finished ahead of Antonelli at all 18 grands prix this season, and has scored 237 world championship points for Mercedes compared to Antonelli’s 88.
A severe mid-season dip in Antonelli’s form raised questions about his future with the team, but a recent upturn in form, including top-five finishes at the last two races, has relieved the pressure that had been growing on him.
More to follow…
F1’s title race now heads back to North America, with the United States Grand Prix in Austin up first on October 17-19 live on Sky Sports F1. Stream Sky Sports with NOW – no contract, cancel anytime
This news was originally published on this post .
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