Mercedes F1 Team have unveiled its 2026 Junior Programme roster, welcoming two new additions Niccolò Perico and Devin Titz to their lineup. This year, the programme features nine talented young drivers competing across different categories from karting to the Formula Regional European Championship (FREC), continuing the team’s tradition and history of supporting the stars of tomorrow.
The impact of Mercedes’ programme is already evident, with the team’s current drivers George Russell and Kimi Antonelli having come through the programme, while fellow graduates Frederik Vesti and Doriane Pin take on the roles of Third Driver and Development Driver, respectively.
Alongside Perico and Titz, Mercedes’ official 2026 Junior Programme roster will feature: Rashid Al Dhaheri, Ethan Jeff-Hall, Andy Consani, Luna Fluxa, Kenzo Craigie, James Anagnostiadis and Many Nuvolini.
A major milestone for the Mercedes Junior Programme
Alongside Russell and Antonelli, some of Mercedes’ most notable junior graduates include Esteban Ocon and Pascal Wehrlein. However, 2026 marks a milestone for the Junior Programme as it celebrates its 10-year anniversary.
The team’s Driver Development Advisor, Gwen Lagrue said: “2026 marks the 10th anniversary of our Junior Programme, a milestone that reflects a decade of identifying, developing and promoting outstanding talent.
“Over the years, the programme has supported and nurtured drivers such as George Russell, Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Frederik Vesti and Doriane Pin, guiding them on their path to the highest level of our sport. Our 2026 Formula 1 line-up is entirely composed of drivers who have emerged from our own programme, which is a source of great pride and satisfaction for all of us. It demonstrates the strength of our philosophy and sets a clear example for the next generation within our ranks.
“I am certain that our young drivers will draw inspiration and motivation from this pathway. Wearing the colours of the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team and representing our organisation, and the 2,000 people behind it, across the various junior categories is both a tremendous honour and a significant responsibility.
“For these young drivers, as well as for my team and myself, excellence is the standard. We continuously refine and improve our methods of support and development, always with performance, victories and championships as the ultimate objective. I sincerely hope that 2026 will be marked with success, allowing us to celebrate this 10th anniversary in the best possible way.”
Nurturing talent at the heart of the programme
Bradley Lord, Team Representative, explained where the programme’s aim lies, saying: “Our Junior Programme is built around one principle: to support a very select group of drivers who have the talent and character to succeed.
“Our young driver roster reflects not only exciting ability on track, but also a group whose attitude and ambition match our own.”
He added that while there are no guarantees in motorsport, the programme provides young drivers with the necessary tools, guidance and support they need to showcase their best performances on track.
“Each of these drivers has shown real promise, and we provide the support and the environment for them to continue learning and growing. Our role is to give them the tools, the guidance and the opportunities they need, and then to let their performances speak for themselves. There are no guarantees in this sport in terms of reaching the very top, but we’re excited to see what they’ll achieve in 2026.”
Russell and Antonelli have experienced the programme’s support first-hand
Their 2026 lineup features two drivers who progressed through the single-seater ranks with the team’s support, with Russell joining in 2017 and Antonelli following in 2018.
Speaking about the programme, Russell said: “The team’s Junior Programme has massively helped me throughout my journey both to, and in F1. I genuinely wouldn’t be here today without the support from the very top, from Toto, from Gwen, and from so many people in the team who’ve backed me.
“What’s special about Mercedes is that they fuel your potential. They encourage you to go out there, give everything, and trust that you have what it takes. Being part of the Junior Programme meant so much to me. Wearing the star for the first time was a really special moment, and it’s something you wear with pride.”
Alongside Russell, Antonelli added: “Being part of the Junior Programme is an incredible opportunity and it doesn’t come around every day. Be grateful but remember there’s a reason you were chosen. Make the most out of it. The Junior Programme gave me huge support on and off the track. I had everything I needed to develop and improve. It’s been an incredible journey and this season’s Juniors will for sure enjoy it as much as I did.”
