George Russell stays at Mercedes next season but door not shut on pursuit of Verstappen

George Russell will remain with Mercedes for next season after the Formula One team confirmed they would be sticking with their drivers in 2026. However, the length of the contracts signed by the Briton and his teammate Kimi Antonelli has not been specified, potentially leaving the Formula One team open to once more pursue Red Bull’s Max Verstappen for 2027.

The long-expected decision comes after a protracted period of negotiation with Russell, as Mercedes seeks stability going into the new regulations of 2026. The 27-year-old British driver has five wins in eight seasons in F1, including victory in Singapore, helping propel Mercedes into a fight for second in the world championship with Ferrari and Red Bull.

Russell, who came up through the Mercedes junior programme, is fourth in the world championship. “I am really proud to be continuing our journey together,” he said. “Next year will mark my 10th since I signed with Mercedes back in 2017. It has been such a long and successful partnership so far and I can’t wait to see what lies ahead, particularly as we embark on one of the largest regulation changes in the sport’s history next year.”

It is understood his desire to reduce his marketing and PR commitments was part of the deal but the length of the contract is likely to have played a significant part. This year the Mercedes team principal, Toto Wolff, made no secret of his desire to lure the four-time world champion Verstappen away from Red Bull.

However, before the Hungarian Grand Prix, Verstappen confirmed he would remain with Red Bull for 2026, so Mercedes were expected to stick with their drivers for the new season.

The team’s announcement, made before this weekend’s United States Grand Prix, makes no mention of the duration of the new deals. A two-year arrangement is standard but both drivers could be on a 1+1 deal which enables either party to exercise an opt-out after the first year.

Kimi Antonelli has also signed a new deal with Mercedes. Photograph: Jayce Illman/Getty Images

With a complete reset of the regulations next season the form book could change radically and Mercedes will be looking to be flexible come mid-season when it becomes clear who has come out on top, leaving the door open for another pursuit of Verstappen. A switch would look more attractive to the Dutch world champion should, as many expect, Mercedes emerge with a strong car.

The 19-year-old Antonelli, who was brought in from the team’s junior programme to replace Lewis Hamilton this season, has had a rollercoaster first year in F1 but became the third youngest driver to take a podium with third place in Canada. In seventh in the drivers’ championship, the Italian is the highest-placed of this season’s rookie intake.

“Confirming our driver lineup was always just a matter of when, not if,” said Wolff. “We wanted to take our time, handle the negotiations properly and make sure everyone, on all sides, was happy. George and Kimi have proved a strong pairing and we’re excited to continue our journey together.”