Overview

• Mercedes officially named George Russell, 27, and Kimi Antonelli, 19, as its 2026 Formula 1 lineup, specifying only the coming season.
• The team declined to disclose contract lengths or clauses, leaving any commitments beyond 2026 unspecified.
• Auto Motor und Sport reports that Russell’s agreement is multi-year, a claim not confirmed in Mercedes’ announcement.
• Negotiations stretched out over contract duration and the number of marketing appearances, according to Motorsport-Total reporting.
• The confirmation, issued just before the US Grand Prix and the 2026 regulation overhaul, reduces the near-term likelihood of a Verstappen move to Mercedes.