Mercedes has officially announced its 2026 Formula 1 driver lineup, confirming Andrea Kimi Antonelli and George Russell as the pairing that will continue with the Brackley-based team. After months of anticipation, the confirmation has finally arrived: Antonelli and Russell will both remain with Mercedes for another season. With the final contractual details resolved, the Silver Arrows have secured stability in their driver lineup ahead of the upcoming regulation changes.
For George Russell, the 2026 season will mark his fifth year as a full-time Mercedes driver, following his debut with the team in 2021. Since joining the Silver Arrows, George Russell has steadily established himself as one of the key figures in the team’s long-term project. For Andrea Kimi Antonelli, on the other hand, this represents a major opportunity to continue the development path he began during his rookie campaign in Formula 1, strengthening his role as one of the sport’s most promising young talents.
Russell and Antonelli share their thoughts
George Russell: “I’m really proud to continue our journey together. Next year will mark my tenth since signing with Mercedes in 2017. So far, it’s been a long and very successful collaboration with the team, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds, especially as we prepare to face one of the biggest regulation changes in the history of this sport. We’re all extremely focused on making sure it’s a success, and for me personally, on building on what has been my strongest season in Formula 1 so far.”
Andrea Kimi Antonelli: “I’m really excited to continue with the team. I’ve learned so much during my first season in Formula 1, both through the positive moments and the more difficult ones. All these experiences have made me stronger — not only as a driver but also as a teammate. I want to thank Toto and everyone at Brackley and Brixworth for their constant support and the trust they’ve placed in me.”
Antonelli added: “Our goal now is to finish this season strongly and secure second place in the Constructors’ Championship before turning all our attention to 2026. We still have a lot to achieve in these final six races, and we’ll give everything we’ve got.”
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