Mercedes have retained George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli for the 2026 F1 season.
Russell was set to be out of contract at the end of this season and after lengthy negotiations, the five-time F1 race winner has committed to a new one-year contract for 2026 which sees a new set of regulations come into effect.
“Confirming our driver line-up was always just a matter of when, not if,” explained Mercedes Team Principal, Toto Wolff as he admitted that the delay in announcement was down to ensuring that everyone was “pleased” with the terms of the contract.
“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 that he is “really proud” to stay with Mercedes for a fifth season and 2026 will mark his tenth season with Mercedes, having signed up for their youth programme in 2017.
“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 meanwhile has just one podium in his rookie season but is “super excited” to build upon his learnings next season.
“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,” continued Antonelli who is keen to finish the current season with a second-placed finish in the constructors’ standings.
“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.”