Mercedes have finally confirmed new contract extensions for George Russell and Kimi Antonelli.
The news was announced on Wednesday ahead of this weekend’s United States Grand Prix at the Circuit of the Americas and brings to an end a long-running saga over Russell’s future at Mercedes.
crash net It is understood that Russell’s contract extension will be for multiple years.
Mercedes also confirmed that Russell’s teammate Kimi Antonelli will officially stay with him until 2026.
New deals for both drivers were thought to be a formality, but the process was delayed after Mercedes expressed interest in signing Max Verstappen.
Negotiations between Russell and Mercedes have dragged on longer than expected, even after Verstappen confirmed in July that he would remain at Red Bull until at least 2026.
However, Mercedes have finally put to rest speculation over the 27-year-old Briton’s future by confirming a contract extension.
Russell was one of the standout performers of the 2025 season and, along with Verstappen, is the only non-McLaren driver to win a race this year.
He followed up his victory at the Canadian Grand Prix in June with an impressive victory at the last Singapore Grand Prix.
Russell sits fourth in the drivers’ championship with 237 points and is one of only five drivers still mathematically in contention for the title with six races remaining.
What took Mercedes so long?
Mercedes stands by Antonelli
Mercedes manager Toto Wolff has insisted that confirming the team’s driver line-up for 2026 is “always a matter of when, not if”.
“We wanted to take our time and make sure we handled the negotiations properly and that everyone on both sides was happy,” Wolfe explained.
“I’m delighted to be able to do that. George and Kimi have proven to be a strong pair and we’re excited to continue our journey together. Our focus now is on the final six races of the year as we battle for second place in the Constructors’ Championship, and on to 2026 and a new era in F1.”
Russell said: “I’m really proud to be continuing this journey with Mercedes. Next year will be my 10th year with Mercedes, having signed with them in 2017.”
“It has been a very long and successful partnership with the team so far and we are excited to see what the future holds, especially as we embark on the biggest regulation changes in the history of the sport next year.
“We are all incredibly focused on making this a success and for me personally building on what has been our strongest season in F1 to date.”
Antonelli, who endured an eventful rookie season in F1 in 2025, said: “I’m very excited to continue with the team. My first season in F1 has taught me so much, both the good times and the more difficult times.”
“All of this has made me stronger not only as a driver but also as a teammate. I would like to thank Toto and everyone at Brackley and Brixworth for their continued support and faith in me.”
“Our focus now is to finish this year on a high and secure second place in the constructors’ championship, and then turn our full attention to 2026. We still have a lot to achieve with six races left, so we will give it our all.”