Mercedes locks in Russell and Antonelli for 2026 as Brackley sets sights on F1’s new era
Mercedes has shut down the driver-market noise and doubled down on continuity: George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli will spearhead the team’s 2026 campaign under F1’s sweeping new rules, with fresh deals signed for both drivers.
The announcement ends weeks of chatter around Russell’s future. While Mercedes didn’t disclose terms, the Briton is understood to have agreed a multi-year extension, ensuring the team’s senior seat stays in familiar hands as the sport pivots to new power-unit and aero regulations next year. Antonelli, in the midst of his rookie season, also continues — a clear bet on youth alongside a leader who knows the place inside out.
“Confirming our driver line-up was always just a matter of when, not if,” said team boss Toto Wolff. “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.”
For Russell, this closes a loop that began back in 2017 when he signed with the Mercedes programme — a relationship that’s run through junior titles, Williams apprenticeship and a full-time call-up to the works team. “I am really proud to be continuing our journey together,” he said. “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’s retention is no less significant. The Italian teenager arrived with the weight of expectation, and Mercedes has kept faith after a first season that’s taught him plenty in public. “I’m super excited to be continuing with the team,” he said. “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.
“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.”
Read between the lines and the strategy is obvious. Stability over headlines. With 2026 promising a reset — a leaner aero philosophy, a far bigger electrical component in the power units, and the usual early-eras chaos — Mercedes wants a garage that can process development fast and hit the ground running. Russell brings experience, reference points and a season that’s looked like a step forward. Antonelli brings upside, raw speed and a year of hard lessons already logged.
There was genuine intrigue around Russell’s options earlier this year as the market convulsed, but Mercedes never blinked. The timing of this announcement, with six rounds to go, isn’t accidental either: it clears the air for a Constructors’ push and lets the factory split its brain — half on points, half on the 2026 concept.
Familiar faces, fresh cycle. It’s the sensible call, and that’s often the boldest one when the rulebook is about to be thrown in the air.
