Overview
- Mercedes formally named George Russell and Kimi Antonelli as its 2026 driver pairing, with the announcement making no mention of contract length and explicitly referencing only next season.
- Multiple outlets report Russell agreed a multi‑year extension, with The Independent citing a salary near £30 million per year, though the team has not confirmed any terms.
- Team principal Toto Wolff framed the decision as a planned step, saying the timing reflected deliberate negotiations ahead of Formula 1’s major technical and engine changes in 2026.
- Russell enters the United States Grand Prix on strong 2025 form with wins in Canada and Singapore and eight podiums, while Antonelli, 19, returns after a mixed rookie year highlighted by a podium in Montreal.
- The undisclosed durations keep Mercedes agile for 2027 driver-market opportunities, as attention turns to the final six races and a fight with Ferrari to secure second in the constructors’ standings.