George Russell’s wait for a 2026 contract is over. Mercedes has confirmed that the British driver will continue with the team next season, forming a duo with Kimi Antonelli.
The announcement, expected for weeks, comes after a summer full of speculation about Russell’s future in the team, while Mercedes explored options with Max Verstappen, the current champion.
Verstappen confirmed his stay at Red Bull at the end of July, at which time Toto Wolff, Mercedes boss, announced the continuity of Russell and Antonelli in the team.
In recent weeks, Russell had mentioned that some details of his contract were delaying the confirmation, but he made clear his commitment to Mercedes for next season.
The announcement did not reveal the duration of the contracts of both drivers.
Russell joined Mercedes as a junior driver in 2017 and is still managed by the team, including Wolff. At the beginning of this year, Russell admitted that Mercedes “held all the cards” in the deal and acknowledged that this had put him “at risk” while Mercedes explored options with Verstappen. Russell debuted with Mercedes as a substitute for Lewis Hamilton at the 2020 Sakhir Grand Prix, before joining as a full-time driver in 2022. His rise coincided with the decline of Mercedes, limiting him to five victories in the last four seasons. Mercedes is considered one of the favorites to capitalize on the change in regulations next year, which will include a new engine formula and significant changes to the cars. Russell expressed: “I am very proud to continue our journey together. Next year will mark my tenth anniversary since I signed with Mercedes in 2017.”I’m glad we did it. George and Kimi have proven to be a strong pair and we are excited to continue our journey together. Our focus is now on the remaining six races of the year, as we fight for second place in the Constructors’ Championship, and in 2026 and a new era in F1.
Toto Wolff
Antonelli joined Mercedes as a rookie this year, after Lewis Hamilton decided to leave the team to join Ferrari at the end of 2024. Despite mixed results in his first year in F1, the 19-year-old’s position never seemed to be in doubt for 2026.It has been such a long and successful partnership with the team so far and I can’t wait to see what the future holds, especially as we embark on one of the biggest regulation changes in the history of the sport next year.
George Russell
I am very excited to continue with the team. I have learned a lot in my first season in F1, both in the good times and in the more challenging ones.
Kimi Antonelli
