Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff has confirmed that George Russell and rookie Kimi Antonelli will continue as the team’s race drivers for the 2026 Formula 1 season.

The announcement came following the Dutch Grand Prix and signals Mercedes’ commitment to stability while balancing performance with development.

Continuity and Contract Talks

Wolff emphasized Mercedes’ contentment with the current lineup, noting that Russell’s contract extension is nearing completion, though some logistical aspects like travel and marketing commitments are still being refined.

“There won’t be any big news because we’re doing this. We’re continuing with both of them, of course,” Wolff said. Russell himself has expressed optimism about the ongoing negotiations and highlighted a mutual desire to ensure everything is properly aligned without rushing the process. The decision follows Max Verstappen’s confirmation that he will remain with Red Bull, removing the possibility of a superstar reshuffle at Mercedes.

Patience and Development with Kimi Antonelli

While Russell brings experience and proven race-winning performances, Mercedes is still nurturing 19-year-old rookie Kimi Antonelli, who has had a turbulent maiden season with moments of brilliance mixed with mistakes.

After a challenging race at Zandvoort, where Antonelli collided with Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and received penalties, Wolff remained committed to his development path. “We would give him a year of learning, and there would be moments where we’d tear our hair out, and other moments of brilliance,” he said. Wolff reaffirmed his long-term confidence, likening the learning process to peeling an artichoke to find the gold inside.

Strategic Adjustments for a Competitive 2026

Mercedes is recalibrating its approach to driver workload, particularly concerning media and marketing activities, to optimize performance and reduce undue strain. Wolff stressed that both drivers have been heavily engaged off the track this year and that fine-tuning these demands is crucial moving forward.

Despite not being in contention for the Constructors’ Championship this season, Mercedes aims to rebound strongly in 2026, leveraging its reliable driver lineup and focusing on maximizing every element of race weekend performance.

This continuity and focus on growth underline Mercedes’ belief in its young core as it gears up for an important season ahead, balancing seasoned skill and rookie potential in the evolving landscape of Formula 1.