Mercedes have announced that both George Russell and Kimi Antonelli have signed new deals ahead of the 2026 season.
Both drivers were out of contract in 2025, and discussions around new deals had been ongoing for months. One factor behind the delay was Toto Wolff’s interest in trying to bring in Max Verstappen.
The Dutch driver had already been frustrated by Red Bull’s decline, and it led to further talks with Mercedes during the 2025 season. Still, he ultimately stayed with his current team, prompting Wolff to refocus on keeping hold of Russell and Antonelli.
The Dutchman stayed loyal to Milton Keynes until at least the end of 2026, leading Wolff to switch his attention back to keeping hold of Russell and Antonelli. Following the Singapore GP, he said they’d both be staying on, with official confirmation coming on Wednesday.
Damon Hill wonders if George Russell or Kimi Antonelli could be 2026 ‘champion’ after Mercedes deals confirmed
Mercedes didn’t share any specific details about the length of their drivers’ new contracts, only that they would still be with the team in 2026. Reports suggest Russell has signed a multi-year extension.
Antonelli has also signed a long-term deal, reflecting the team’s belief that he represents their future. The 19-year-old hasn’t had an easy start to life in F1, with Russell getting the better of him more often than not as he searches for consistency.
But there is growing optimism around Mercedes as the 2026 regulations approach. Rumours suggest they could have the fastest power unit on the grid next season, which might give their drivers a genuine shot at the championship.
Damon Hill added to the speculation by posting on Instagram: “Are we looking at a 2026 F1 World Champion?”
The championship battle is still wide open heading into Austin. Verstappen will look to close ground on Lando Norris and his five-point lead after McLaren reclaimed first place from Red Bull last week in Qatar.
“Maxi V, can he claw back more points? It’s a Sprinter weekend. Plenty to play for. Lando? Can he pile on more pressure? Ferrari? Eh? These are the last chapters of this year’s Championship,” Hill posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Rumours of Max Verstappen’s move to Mercedes continue
Even with Russell and Antonelli secured, the possibility of Verstappen joining Mercedes hasn’t completely faded. Toto Wolff has never hidden his admiration for the Dutchman and would likely make a move if Verstappen became available.
Verstappen has clauses that could allow him to leave Red Bull in 2027, and Mercedes might have left themselves some flexibility. For example, Russell’s deal could include an option year, giving the team room to move if Verstappen comes into play.
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Gary Anderson has also weighed in, suggesting Russell deserved better from Mercedes considering how well he’s performed recently. He’s currently enjoying his best season yet and is widely regarded as one of the top drivers on the grid.
There are even whispers that Mercedes have been pushing stories about their 2026 engine superiority to lure Verstappen over, even though they’ve just locked in deals with both Russell and Antonelli.
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