ANALYSIS: Are Russell and Antonelli the long-term future of Mercedes?

On the eve of the United States Grand Prix weekend in Austin, Mercedes have confirmed what most had expected – George Russell and Kimi Antonelli will form their line-up for 2026. F1 Correspondent Lawrence Barretto explains more...

Fresh from one of the most convincing wins of his career last time out in Singapore, Russell can stroll into the Austin paddock tomorrow knowing that after months of negotiating, he's all sorted for a drive for next year.

Once Max Verstappen became unavailable, when he confirmed he'd be staying put at Red Bull for 2026, it was always a case of when, not if, Russell would sign on the dotted line to extend his stay at Mercedes that began in 2022.