Mercedes-AMG Petronas has confirmed George Russell and Kimi Antonelli as its Formula 1 driver lineup for the 2026 season, finally putting an end to months of speculation about the team’s future. The announcement came on the night before the United States Grand Prix in Austin.
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The latest news from Mercedes confirms that the team will continue with its current pairing into the new engine era. George Russell, 27, will be heading into his eighth season of Formula 1 and fifth with the Mercedes team. Kimi Antonelli, just 19, will begin his second campaign in 2026. Both drivers are products of Mercedes’ junior academy, with Russel having joined in 2017 and Antonelli in 2019. They have both risen through the ranks under the guidance of team principal Toto Wolff.
“Confirming our driver line-up was always just a matter of when, not if,” said Wolff in the team’s official statement. “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.”
The contract extensions come at an important time in Mercedes’ trajectory. The team struggled to recapture their title-winning form since the 2021 regulation reset, but the Silver Arrows appeared to have finally steadied the situation. Russell’s recent victory in Singapore, his fifth in Formula 1, and Antonelli’s development have seen the team climb to second place in the Constructors’ Championship, with six races to go.
Russell is proud of what he has described as “a long and successful partnership” with the team. “Next year will mark my 10th since I signed with Mercedes back in 2017,” he said. He continued to say that it has been a “rewarding journey” and that he is excited for what is still to come, especially with the upcoming regulation changes in 2025.
Antonelli has been one of 2025’s top rookies. The Italian is the third-youngest podium finisher in the 75 years of F1, and has been lauded for his composure under pressure. “I’m super excited to be continuing with the team,” Antonelli said. He also stated that he has learned a lot during his first season in Formula 1, including the good and challenging moments. “Our focus now is to finish this year strongly and secure second in the Constructors’, before turning full attention to 2026.”
The decision to stick with Russell and Antonelli gives Mercedes some stability as the team prepares to enter the new hybrid era, which will mark a big change to the cars’ aerodynamics, power units, downforce, and fuel composition.
New Car Era For 2026
2026 will be the start of Formula 1’s largest technical overhaul since the introduction of the hybrid turbo engines in 2014. The new FIA regulations will result in lighter, more agile chassis, sustainable fuels, and a 50/50 power split between internal combustion and electric propulsion.
Mercedes’ engineering teams at Brackley and Brixworth have been working on developing the new power unit, with Wolff claiming the “next chapter” of Formula 1 will reward innovation and efficiency. The team’s supporters believe the Silver Arrows may emerge as early frontrunners in the new era, thanks to their experience in hybrid systems and consistently developing their cars throughout the season.
Russell acknowledged the challenge of the new regulations: “2026 isn’t just another season; it’s a complete reset for the grid. Every team is going into it with a clean slate, and that gives us a real opportunity to show what Mercedes can do.”
The changes will shuffle F1’s current competitive order, as even the dominant McLaren team will face engineering hurdles. It will likely make 2026 one of the most unpredictable seasons in F1 history, an exciting prospect for US fans awaiting the Las Vegas, Miami, and Austin races.
Dealing With The Verstappen Rumors
The confirmation of Russell and Antonelli brings closure to a period of speculation and rumor about Red Bull’s Max Verstappen joining Mercedes. Throughout 2025, there have been talks that Wolff explored a possible move for the reigning world champion amid internal unrest at Red Bull.
Wolff reportedly held “exploratory conversations” with Verstappen’s people during the mid-season break. Talks never progressed to negotiations, but it did raise questions about Russell’s status with the team.
In the end, Verstappen reaffirmed his commitment to Red Bull until 2026 at least, stopping the rumors in their tracks. This cleared the path for Mercedes to finalize its own lineup, although those in the know suggest Russel’s contract includes some flexibility, showing that the team and the driver are focused on performance and not security.