LONDON, Oct 16 — Mercedes have confirmed that British driver George Russell and Italian rookie Kimi Antonelli will remain with the team for the 2026 Formula One season, ending speculation over potential changes to their driver line-up.
LONDON, Oct 16 — Mercedes have confirmed that British driver George Russell and Italian rookie Kimi Antonelli will remain with the team for the 2026 Formula One season, ending speculation over potential changes to their driver line-up.
Russell, who clinched victory at the Singapore Grand Prix earlier this month, will enter his fifth full season with Mercedes next year.
Earlier in the season, the 27-year-old’s future appeared uncertain amid rumours linking reigning four-time world champion Max Verstappen with a possible move from Red Bull. Reports suggested Verstappen had a break clause in his contract that would allow him to leave Red Bull if he fell outside the top three in the championship before the August summer break. However, the Dutchman has since strengthened his third-place standing and confirmed in July that he would stay with Red Bull for 2026.
Antonelli, 19, is completing his debut F1 season with Mercedes, having taken over from Lewis Hamilton.
“Confirming our driver line-up was always just a matter of when, not if,” said team principal Toto Wolff. “George and Kimi have proven to be a strong pairing, and we’re excited to continue our journey together. Our focus now is on the final six races as we push for second in the constructors’ standings and look ahead to the new era of Formula One in 2026.”
Russell has enjoyed an impressive 2025 campaign, currently sitting fourth in the drivers’ standings, 99 points behind championship leader Oscar Piastri. He has collected eight podiums this season, including wins in Canada and Singapore.
“It’s been such a long and successful partnership with Mercedes, and I’m excited for what the future holds,” said Russell, who joined the team’s junior programme in 2017.
Antonelli has experienced a mixed rookie season but achieved his first Formula One podium with a third-place finish behind Russell in Montreal. Despite four retirements, he sits seventh in the standings with 88 points.
“I’ve learned so much in my first year — through both the highs and the tougher moments,” Antonelli said. “Each experience has made me stronger as a driver and a team-mate.”
Russell and Antonelli will next compete at the United States Grand Prix in Austin, Texas, this weekend. — AFP
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