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Mercedes confirmed they will retain their current driver line-up for the 2026 Formula 1 season as contract extensions for George Russell and Kimi Antonelli were announced.
Both drivers' futures with the team were thrown into doubt by Mercedes' attempts earlier this year to sign reigning world champion Max Verstappen from Red Bull.
Verstappen confirming in late July that he would stay with Red Bull until at least the end of 2026 appeared to make it a formality that Mercedes' line-up would remain unchanged, but it has taken several months of negotiations for the deals to be agreed.
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The announcement follows the fifth grand prix victory of Russell's Formula 1 career, which came at the Singapore Grand Prix.
The 27-year-old Brit has also recorded seven pole positions, 23 grand prix podium finishes and one Sprint victory during his seven seasons in motorsport's elite category.
Antonelli has endured a challenging rookie campaign, with the Italian teenager so far failing to produce the level of performance many expected from a driver billed as a generational talent.
The 19-year-old was fast-tracked into one of the sport's most desirable seats to replace Lewis Hamilton as the seven-time world champion left to join Ferrari.
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Russell has finished ahead of Antonelli at all 18 grands prix this season, and has scored 237 world championship points for Mercedes compared to Antonelli's 88.
A severe mid-season dip in Antonelli's form raised questions about his future with the team, but a recent upturn in form, including top-five finishes at the last two races, has relieved the pressure that had been growing on him.
More to follow...
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