Mercedes introduced on Wednesday that it’ll preserve its present F1 driver line-up of George Russell and Kimi Antonelli for the 2026 season.
In latest weeks, there was no query concerning the speedy futures of the 2 drivers, with crew principal Toto Wolff stating that they are going to stay drivers, though contract particulars haven’t but been labored out. Nonetheless, following a 12 months through which Mercedes confirmed clear curiosity in Max Verstappen, the retained line-up announcement states that Russell and Antonelli are each confirmed for just one extra 12 months at this stage.
“It was all the time a matter of when to verify the motive force lineup,” Wolff mentioned. “We wished to take the time to get the negotiations proper and ensure all events on each side have been glad. We’re glad we have been ready to try this. George and Kimi have confirmed to be a powerful pair and we’re excited to proceed their journey collectively.”
“We are actually targeted on the ultimate six races of the 12 months as we battle for second place within the constructors’ championship and sit up for 2026 and a brand new period in F1.”
Russell has had a powerful season to date, profitable two races, together with the final race in Singapore, and is at present fourth within the drivers’ championship. The British driver is managed by Mercedes and has had little flexibility to discover a transfer elsewhere, however has beforehand mentioned he desires to give attention to the small print of a brand new contract.
“I’m actually proud to proceed this journey with you,” Russell mentioned. “Subsequent 12 months might be my tenth 12 months since signing with Mercedes in 2017. It has been a protracted and profitable partnership with the crew to date and I’m wanting ahead to what the longer term holds, particularly as subsequent 12 months we embark on the largest regulation modifications within the historical past of the game.”
“We’re all extremely targeted on making this successful and for me personally constructing on our strongest season in F1 so far.”
The popularity comes after a rocky rookie 12 months for Antonelli, however the Italian has scored one podium and completed within the high 5 in every of the final two races.
“I am very excited to proceed with the crew,” Antonelli mentioned. “My first season in F1 has taught me a lot, each good instances and tougher instances. All of it has made me stronger, not solely as a driver, but additionally as a teammate. I wish to thank Toto and everybody at Brackley and Brixworth for his or her continued help and religion in me.”
“Our focus now’s to complete this 12 months on a excessive and safe second place within the Constructors’ Championship, after which flip our full consideration to 2026. We nonetheless have rather a lot to attain with six races left, so we are going to give it our all.”
