Austin, Oct 15 (NationPress) Mercedes has officially announced that George Russell and Kimi Antonelli will make up their Formula 1 driver lineup for the 2026 season, coinciding with the eve of the United States Grand Prix weekend. This decision ensures stability for the eight-time World Champions, who currently hold the second position in the Constructors’ Championship with six races left in the 2025 season.

Both Russell and Antonelli have emerged from Mercedes’ junior program, and their performances this season have led Team Principal Toto Wolff to retain this youthful duo as the team gears up for the significant regulatory changes coming in 2026.

“Confirming our driver lineup was always just a question of when, not if,” said Wolff. “We wanted to take our time, manage the negotiations properly, and ensure that everyone involved was satisfied. I’m delighted we’ve achieved that. George and Kimi have proven to be a formidable pair, and we’re thrilled to continue our journey together. Our focus now shifts to the last six races of the year, as we contend for second place in the Constructors’, and look forward to 2026 and a new chapter in F1.”

For Russell, who entered Mercedes’ junior ranks in 2017 and joined the main team in 2022, this new contract signifies another milestone in their long-standing and successful collaboration. The Brit has celebrated five Grand Prix victories, with his latest win being in Singapore, and he is currently experiencing what he describes as his best season yet.

“I am genuinely proud to be continuing our journey together,” Russell expressed. “Next year will mark my 10th year since I signed with Mercedes back in 2017. It has been such a long and fruitful partnership, and I eagerly await the future — especially as we face one of the most significant regulatory shifts in the sport’s history next year.

“We are all incredibly dedicated to making that a success and, for me personally, building on what has been my strongest season in F1 thus far.”

Rookie sensation Kimi Antonelli will remain alongside Russell after a stellar debut season, which has showcased his potential. The 18-year-old Italian made history by becoming the youngest podium finisher in F1 with a third-place finish in Canada and has demonstrated impressive form in recent races, including securing Sprint pole in Miami and achieving back-to-back top-five finishes in Baku and Singapore.

“I’m really excited to continue with the team,” Antonelli remarked. “I’ve gained invaluable experience in my first F1 season, both during the highs and the lows. Each moment has contributed to my growth—not just as a driver but as a teammate as well.

“I want to express my gratitude to Toto and everyone at Brackley and Brixworth for their ongoing support and confidence in me. Our priority now is to finish this year strongly and secure second place in the Constructors’ Championship before we shift our full focus to 2026. There’s still much for us to achieve in these final six races, and we will be giving it everything we have.”

The confirmation of Mercedes’ 2026 lineup leaves only four seats available on the grid — one at Red Bull, two at Racing Bulls, and one at Alpine.

At Red Bull, Isack Hadjar is emerging as the leading candidate to partner Max Verstappen, while Arvid Lindblad from F2 is anticipated to step into one of the Racing Bulls seats. This scenario would result in Yuki Tsunoda and Liam Lawson competing for the last Racing Bulls drive, with Tsunoda currently considered to have the edge.

Meanwhile, at Alpine, Franco Colapinto is likely to retain his position alongside Pierre Gasly, although reserve driver Paul Aron remains in the mix.