Mercedes F1 confirms long-awaited 2026 contract renewals for George Russell and Kimi Antonelli

Mercedes Team Principal, Toto Wolff with Mercedes 2026 drivers, George Russell and Kimi Antonelli
Photo Credits: Mercedes Benz Archive
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Mercedes have finally put an end to months of speculation by confirming George Russell and Kimi Antonelli will stay with the Silver Arrows for the 2026 F1 season. The announcement came this afternoon and ends months of uncertainty over the team’s line-up as the sport prepares for a major overhaul.

Both Russell and Antonelli have risen through the Mercedes Junior Programme and have been a strong partnership in 2025. 2026 will mark a decade long partnership for Russell with Mercedes and for Antonelli it means Mercedes have faith in their next generation of talent.

In the official statement, team Principal Toto Wolff said:

“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’s renewal settled after extended discussions

The Briton has had a stellar 2025 campaign and has won two races, at Canada and Singapore. He currently sits fourth with 237 points and only 36 points behind Max Verstappen. Russell in his eight season in F1 has 5 wins and 7 poles to his name, all with the Brackley based team. 

Speaking of the extension, Russell said:

“I am really proud to be continuing our journey together.”

“Next year will mark my 10th since I signed with Mercedes back in 2017. It has been such a long and successful partnership with the team so far and I can’t wait to see what lies ahead, particularly as we embark on one of the largest regulation changes in the sport’s history next year.”

“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.”

His extension, widely reported to run until at least 2027, reflects his value to the team and the mutual desire for flexibility heading into the regulation reset. The ambiguity of the statement suggests flexibility for both parties, a conscious choice after months of negotiation delays caused by the team’s brief courtship of Verstappen, which Wolff has confirmed is not going to happen for 2026.

Russell’s deal is reportedly in the £8 million range, a reflection of his seniority and his growing importance within the team. The contract has reduced PR commitments, something he asked for during the negotiations.

Antonelli’s second act secured

For 19-year-old Kimi Antonelli, the contract extension is a big tick of approval after a tough rookie season. Despite scoring 88 points compared to Russell’s 237, Antonelli has shown recent form with several top-fives and Mercedes have decided to back their young talent through the next regulation cycle.

Antonelli acknowledged the learning curve, stating:

“I’ve learnt so much in my first season in F1, both in the good moments and the more challenging ones. Those have all made me stronger, not only as a driver but as a team-mate too.”

His reported salary will double to approximately £4 million per year, with performance bonuses potentially taking his earnings to around £6 million annually.

Eyes on 2026

Wolff emphasised the team’s dual focus, explaining:

“Our focus is now on the final six races of the year, as we fight for second in the Constructors’, and onwards to 2026 and a new era in F1.”

Mercedes’ decision to lock in Russell and Antonelli reflects a pragmatic strategy ahead of 2026’s sweeping power unit and aerodynamic rule changes. By keeping both drivers, Wolff ensures stability while maintaining flexibility for potential market movements beyond 2026.

The team is 27 points ahead of Ferrari in the standings and have closed in the performance deficit to McLaren since the summer break. With the last quarter of the season left, it looks more and more likely that the German outfit will bag the runners-up spot in the constructors’ standings