George Russell Ends Contract Drama, Kimi Antonelli Stays! Mercedes Confirm Both For 2026 Season

Last Updated:October 15, 2025, 19:10 IST

Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team confirms George Russell and Kimi Antonelli as 2026 drivers, ending speculation and setting sights on a strong future in Formula 1.

Russell and Antonelli will stay with Mercedes through 2026 (X)

Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team has officially confirmed that George Russell and Kimi Antonelli will continue as its driver lineup for the 2026 season, the team announced on Tuesday.

The news ends months of speculation over both seats, particularly amid Russell’s drawn-out contract negotiations earlier this year.

Toto Wolff: ‘It Was Just A Matter Of When’

The 27-year-old Russell, a multiple Grand Prix winner, heads into his eighth Formula 1 season, while 19-year-old rookie Antonelli embarks on his second year in the sport.

Both are products of Mercedes’ junior driver programme, having joined in 2017 and 2019 respectively.

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

“We wanted to take our time, handle the negotiations properly and make sure everyone, on all sides, was happy. 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’ Championship, and onwards to 2026 and a new era in F1."

George Russell: “Proud to Continue the Journey"

Russell’s path to Mercedes has been meticulously built: GP3 and Formula 2 titles led to three years at Williams before he stepped into the works Mercedes seat, where he has since won five Grands Prix.

His 2025 season has been arguably his strongest yet, consistently scoring podiums and challenging Max Verstappen in qualifying pace.

“I am really proud to be continuing our journey together," said Russell.

Russell’s contract saga had been one of the most talked-about storylines this season, with Mercedes taking their time to negotiate terms that satisfied both sides.

The resolution now removes any uncertainty ahead of the championship’s final stretch.

Kimi Antonelli: “Super Excited for the Future"

Kimi Antonelli, who impressed in Formula 4, Formula Regional, and Formula 2, made his F1 debut at the start of 2025. The rookie has quickly become a standout performer, already claiming a podium and establishing himself as one of the strongest first-year drivers in recent memory.

“I’m super excited to be continuing with the team," said Antonelli.

Mercedes’ Season So Far

This season, Russell has been a consistent podium contender, regularly scoring points and finishing ahead of his teammate in several key races.

Antonelli, meanwhile, has surprised many with his maturity and racecraft, including a historic podium that made him the third youngest in F1 history.

Together, they have positioned Mercedes to fight for second place in the Constructors’ Championship, setting the stage for a strong 2026 campaign.

Siddarth Sriram

After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term...Read More

After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term...

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News sports George Russell Ends Contract Drama, Kimi Antonelli Stays! Mercedes Confirm Both For 2026 Season

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