Mercedes have added Niccolo Perico and Devin Titz to their 2026 Junior Driver Programme.
Perico and Titz are both 11-year old karting drivers from Italy and Germany respectively, and will compete in OK NG and Mini Karting categories respectively this season.
The pair will be joined in karting by France’s Many Nuvolini who will race in the OK Junior category, whilst Australia’s James Anagnostiadis steps up to OK and KZ2 categories.
15-year old British driver, Kenzo Craigie will enter a fourth season with the team as he steps up to Italian F4 and Euro4 championships, having already stepped up to single-seater at the start of the year in UAE4 Series, where he finished third overall with one win and was the rookies’ champion.
Craigie is ready to challenge himself this season as he spoke of the step up to single-seater racing.
“I’m excited to step up to F4 in 2026. It’s going to be a big move but I’m ready to learn, develop and keep pushing. Let’s see what we can do.”
His fellow Brit, Ethan Jeff-Hall aged 17 will stay in British F4 for a second season after he finished fifth in his rookie season in 2025.
France’s Andy Consani finished second in UAE4 ahead of Craigie as he remains with the Silver Arrows for a second season, and will also join the Brit in competing in Italian F4 and Euro4 Championships this year.
Emirati driver, Rashid Dhaheri will step up to Formula Regional Europe with R-ace GP, having driven for the team as he finished second in the Formula Regional Middle-East Trophy series earlier this year.
Spain’s Luna Fluxa is staying on the programme for a fifth season as she graduates from karting into the Spanish F4 Championship, with the 15-year old aware of how special it has been to have Mercedes’ support for the last four seasons.
“I am very proud to have been part of the Junior Programme for the past four years – it feels like being part of a family. The team supports me in and out of racing and have done so all the way from karting to Formula 4.
“They have done so much to help me get nearer to my dream of racing in F1 and I am grateful for that continued support. This year I will be racing in Spanish F4 with Campos; I hope to achieve great results and move upwards and onwards!”
Mercedes’ Driver Development Advisor, Gwen Lagrue explained that “excellence is the standard”, as the programme enters its 10th year, which she considers to be “a milestone” of the team’s progress with George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli having graduated into the team’s F1 race seats.
Frederik Vesti and Doriane Pin meanwhile are third driver and development driver respectively for the season, underlining the team’s trust in promoting talent.
“It demonstrates the strength of our philosophy and sets a clear example for the next generation within our ranks. I am certain that our young drivers will draw inspiration and motivation from this pathway.
“Wearing the colours of the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team and representing our organisation, and the 2,000 people behind it, across the various junior categories is both a tremendous honour and a significant responsibility.
“For these young drivers, as well as for my team and myself, excellence is the standard. We continuously refine and improve our methods of support and development, always with performance, victories and championships as the ultimate objective.
“I sincerely hope that 2026 will be marked with success, allowing us to celebrate this 10th anniversary in the best possible way.”
Leave a Reply