George Russell sends message to Kimi Antonelli as new Mercedes F1 contract length explored

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Mercedes have finally confirmed that George Russell and Kimi Antonelli have signed new contracts after months of speculation.

The pair were set to be out of contract at the end of the 2025 season. Russell was pushing for a long-term deal with Mercedes, but negotiations were delayed amid Toto Wolff’s interest in Max Verstappen.

The Mercedes boss was exploring a potential move for the four-time champion amid Red Bull’s regression in performance. However, after Verstappen committed to Milton Keynes for 2026, Wolff had to retreat.

Russell was insulted by Wolff’s interest in Verstappen, given that the pair have clashed numerous times in the past. The Brit was told he would be given a new contract beyond 2025, and now, he and teammate Antonelli have put pen to paper.

George Russell is looking forward to working with Kimi Antonelli after signing new Mercedes contracts

Wolff said after the Singapore GP that his drivers would be given new deals for 2026. Sure enough, ahead of the United States Grand Prix this weekend, Russell has signed a multi-year contract with Mercedes.

The 27-year-old’s stock has never been higher as he sits fourth in the drivers’ championship. With two wins and eight podiums thus far, he is enjoying his best F1 season to date.

Antonelli has had a tough rookie season, with mechanical failures and mistakes costing him. Rumours suggested that the Italian could be loaned out in 2026, but Wolff quickly shut that down.

Any doubts about the 19-year-old’s future in Brackley have now been squashed as Antonelli has been signed for 2026. Posting on his Instagram story, Russell sent a message to his teammate after the pair’s announcement.

He wrote to the teenager: “Looking forward to next year with you mate.” The duo will be looking for a strong end to the 2025 season as they battle Ferrari and Red Bull for second in the constructors’ championship.

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Kimi Antonelli has a ‘long-term arrangement’ with Mercedes as George Russell signs multi-year deal

With Russell signing a multi-year contract and rumours linking Verstappen to Mercedes in the future, many have wondered what contract Antonelli has been given by Wolff.

According to journalist Lawrence Barretto, the Italian has a ‘long-term arrangement’ with Mercedes. Although, it is unclear as to how long said arrangement is for.

Barretto’s report from F1.com states that Mercedes activated a clause in Antonelli’s contract that gave him another year in 2026. This was done, it is believed, ‘some time ago’.

There were question marks over the 19-year-old during the European leg of the season, scoring points just twice from Imola to Zandvoort. However, Mercedes have ‘never stopped believing’ in Antonelli and have shown their faith in him with a new contract.