Mercedes has officially announced its line-up for 2026, and the team’s roster remains unchanged. George Russell and Kimi Antonelli will work alongside each other to bring the team to the forefront come the new regulations.
Although the pairing is confirmed, the German outfit did not reveal the length of the contracts. Is Mercedes keeping a line open for other drivers past the 2026 season?
Experience and young promise make up the Mercedes 2026 line-up
Both Mercedes drivers were nearing the end of their contracts this season, with Russell completing his multi-year deal and Antonelli on a one-year rookie agreement. Despite speculations of a Verstappen move and contractual delays, Toto Wolff, team principal at Mercedes, knew it was always a matter of “when, not if.”
George Russell, currently fourth in the Driver standings, firmly believes in his longstanding partnership with the Brackley-based team and is optimistic about the future:
“Next year will mark my 10th since I signed with Mercedes back in 2017 […] I can’t wait to see what lies ahead […] We’re all incredibly focused on making that a success and, for me personally, building on what has been my strongest season in F1 to date.”
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As excited as his teammate, Kimi Antonelli finishes his rookie season, learning from his first year in Formula 1 and looking forward to the next:
“I’m super excited to be continuing with the team. 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 teammate too.”
Mercedes’ 2026 line-up strikes a balance between seasoned expertise and rising potential. Toto Wolff is confident that the combination this season “proved a strong pairing” and there’s more to be expected from the duo.
Mercedes potentially leaving room for driver changes beyond 2026
The regulation overhaul is only a winter break away, and ‘silly season’ – for the next years, really – is making an early entrance. Drivers and teams alike are looking to find the ideal car-driver match beyond 2026. Toto Wolff, in particular, has never been secretive about his intention to maintain options open.
The Brackley-based team always offers short multi-year contracts:
“I think the longest was a two-year [contract] that we’ve done with some options. So, it’s a Mercedes pattern,” said the team principal to Sky Sports F1.
Wolff already expressed his interest in Max Verstappen. But drivers like Piastri and Leclerc also hold multi-year contracts with clauses that allow for a move should their teams underperform. Mercedes has the flexibility to choose. And with an engine, said to be one of the most promising for next season, the team could be an enticing destination for drivers hungry for victory.
