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British Formula One driver George Russell and Italian rising star Kimi Antonelli have both renewed their contracts with Mercedes for the 2026 season, the team confirmed on Wednesday.
Russell, who claimed victory at the Singapore Grand Prix earlier this month, will remain with the team for a fifth consecutive full season.
The 27-year-old’s future had been uncertain earlier this year after speculation linking reigning four-time world champion Max Verstappen with a potential move from Red Bull.
Reports suggested Verstappen had a clause in his contract allowing him to leave Red Bull if he dropped out of the top three in the championship before the summer break in August.
However, the Dutchman has since cemented his third-place standing and confirmed in July that he would stay with Red Bull through 2026.
Nineteen-year-old Antonelli, in his debut season with Mercedes following Lewis Hamilton’s departure, has also been rewarded with a contract extension.
Team principal Toto Wolff described the decision as a natural one, saying, “Confirming our driver line-up was always just a matter of when, not if. George and Kimi have proved to be a strong pairing, and we’re excited to continue our journey together. Our focus is now on the final six races as we fight for second in the constructors’ standings and look ahead to a new era in F1.”
Russell has enjoyed an impressive 2025 campaign, currently sitting fourth in the drivers’ standings, 99 points behind leader Oscar Piastri. He has secured eight podiums this season, including wins in Canada and Singapore.
“It’s been such a long and successful partnership with the team so far, and I can’t wait to see what lies ahead,” said Russell, who first joined Mercedes’ junior programme in 2017.
Antonelli’s rookie year has been a mix of highs and lows, but the young Italian achieved his first Formula One podium in Montreal, finishing third behind Russell.
Despite failing to finish four races, he holds seventh place in the standings with 88 points.
“I’ve learnt so much in my first season in F1, both in the good moments and the tougher ones,” Antonelli said. “All of those experiences have made me stronger, not only as a driver but as a team-mate too.”
Both Russell and Antonelli will compete this weekend at the United States Grand Prix in Austin, Texas.
