Post by : Rameen Ariff

Mercedes has officially confirmed that George Russell and Kimi Antonelli will continue as the team’s drivers for the 2026 Formula One season. The announcement was made on Wednesday, though the team did not disclose details of Russell’s contract extension. Reports from The Athletic suggest that the 27-year-old British driver has signed a multiyear deal with the Silver Arrows.

Next season will mark Russell’s tenth year with Mercedes, having joined its junior program in 2017. Over the course of his career with the team, Russell has secured five Grand Prix victories, including two wins this season, the most recent being at the Singapore Grand Prix. He also won the Canadian Grand Prix earlier this year, finishing ahead of rookie teammate Antonelli.

Antonelli, a 19-year-old Italian, is also a product of Mercedes’ junior program and is completing his rookie F1 season. The young driver made history by becoming the youngest podium finisher in Formula One when he secured third place at the Canadian Grand Prix in June.

Currently, with six races remaining in the season, the Mercedes duo sits second in the team standings, trailing McLaren’s pairing of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. Despite the gap, both drivers have shown strong performances and potential for future success.

Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff expressed satisfaction with the confirmation, saying, “Confirming our driver line-up was always just a matter of when, not if. We wanted to take our time, handle the negotiations properly, and make sure everyone, on all sides, was happy. I’m pleased we have done that. George and Kimi have proved a strong pairing, and we’re excited to continue our journey together.”

Russell, reflecting on his long tenure with the team, added, “It has been such a long and successful partnership with the team so far, and I can’t wait to see what lies ahead. We are all incredibly focused on making that a success and, for me personally, building on what has been my strongest season in F1 to date.”

Mercedes fans can look forward to seeing Russell and Antonelli back in action this weekend at the United States Grand Prix in Austin, Texas, where practice sessions begin on Friday. The team is confident that the confirmed line-up will strengthen their campaign for future championship success.

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