Mercedes F1 2026 team drivers and Formula 1 racing car in pit lane

Mercedes F1 | Formula 1 Team, Drivers & 2026 Season

Mercedes F1: A Legacy of Speed, Engineering and Innovation

Mercedes F1 has become one of the most recognizable names in Formula 1, combining advanced engineering, performance-focused technology and a long motorsport history.

Today, the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team competes with George Russell and Kimi Antonelli as its 2026 race drivers. The team is based in Brackley and Brixworth in the United Kingdom.

For motorsport fans, Mercedes represents more than a racing team. Its black-and-teal visual identity, technical approach and championship history have made Mercedes F1 a major part of modern Formula 1 culture.

The History of Mercedes in Formula 1

Mercedes first competed in the Formula 1 World Championship in 1954. The team immediately made an impact, winning two consecutive Drivers' Championships with Juan Manuel Fangio before withdrawing from motorsport after the 1955 season.

Mercedes returned as a full works team in 2010 after acquiring Brawn GP. From there, the team gradually developed into one of the leading forces in Formula 1.

The beginning of the turbo-hybrid era in 2014 marked a particularly important period. Mercedes went on to win eight consecutive Constructors' Championships from 2014 through 2021.

Mercedes F1 and the Silver Arrows Era

The Mercedes identity is closely associated with the nickname “Silver Arrows.”

The modern Mercedes F1 era featured drivers including Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton. Hamilton won six of his seven Drivers' Championships with Mercedes, while Rosberg secured the 2016 Drivers' Championship.

The team also became known for its focus on aerodynamic development, power-unit technology, race strategy and continuous performance improvement.

Mercedes F1 Drivers in 2026

For the 2026 Formula 1 season, Mercedes continues with George Russell and Kimi Antonelli.

Mercedes officially confirmed the pair as its 2026 driver line-up. Russell entered his eighth F1 season, while Antonelli entered his second.

George Russell

George Russell joined Mercedes' junior programme in 2017 and progressed through the team's development system before becoming a Mercedes race driver.

His F1 career includes his debut with Williams and his subsequent move to Mercedes. He has also established himself as a Grand Prix winner.

Kimi Antonelli

Andrea Kimi Antonelli is one of the young drivers developed through the Mercedes junior programme. He joined the programme in 2019 and progressed through the junior categories before making his Formula 1 debut with Mercedes.

The 2026 season represents his second year as a Mercedes F1 race driver.

Mercedes F1 2026: A New Technical Era

The 2026 Formula 1 regulations introduced major technical changes.

Mercedes' 2026 car is the W17, developed around a substantially revised technical framework. The new regulations include changes to the chassis, aerodynamics and power-unit technology. Mercedes describes 2026 as a significant new era for the team and the sport.

According to the official F1 standings currently available, Mercedes sits at the top of the 2026 Constructors' standings with 503 points after 14 Grands Prix. Kimi Antonelli has 292 points and George Russell has 211.

Standings are time-sensitive and can change after every race.

Mercedes F1 Racing Technology

One of Mercedes' defining characteristics is its engineering approach.

Formula 1 teams constantly work on:

  • Aerodynamics
  • Chassis development
  • Power-unit performance
  • Energy management
  • Tyre performance
  • Race strategy
  • Data analysis
  • Weight reduction
  • Reliability
  • Driver performance

The 2026 regulations make these areas particularly important because the new-generation cars introduce significant changes to both chassis and power-unit technology.

Mercedes F1 Racing Apparel

Mercedes F1 has also become an important part of motorsport fashion.

Fans can find Mercedes-inspired styles across:

  • F1 racing suits
  • Racing jackets
  • Team-style shirts
  • Hoodies
  • Caps
  • Motorsport apparel
  • Racing accessories

At Apex Karting Gear, motorsport fans can explore Mercedes-inspired racing apparel and F1-style products designed around the visual culture of Formula 1.

Important: Fanwear, replica and inspired apparel should not be confused with FIA-approved protective racewear. If you are purchasing equipment for actual competition, always check the relevant FIA/SFI certification and homologation requirements.

Why Mercedes F1 Remains Popular

Mercedes combines several elements that attract motorsport fans:

Performance — Mercedes has a major championship history.

Engineering — The team is strongly associated with technical development and innovation.

Drivers — The current Russell-Antonelli pairing brings a combination of experience and youth.

Design — Mercedes' black, silver and teal-inspired visual identity is instantly recognizable.

Motorsport heritage — Mercedes has a history extending well beyond the modern F1 era.

Mercedes F1 at Apex Karting Gear

If you are a Mercedes F1 fan or simply enjoy modern motorsport fashion, explore the Apex Karting Gear collection for F1 racing suits, racing jackets, shirts, karting gear and motorsport-inspired apparel.

Explore related collections:

  • F1 Racing Suits
  • F1 Racing Jackets
  • F1 Racing Shirts
  • Karting Racing Suits
  • Karting Gloves
  • Kart Racing Shoes

Frequently Asked Questions

Who are Mercedes F1 drivers in 2026?

Mercedes' 2026 drivers are George Russell and Kimi Antonelli.

What is Mercedes' 2026 F1 car called?

Mercedes' 2026 Formula 1 car is the W17.

How many Constructors' Championships has Mercedes won?

Mercedes has won eight Constructors' Championships, including eight consecutive titles from 2014 to 2021.

Where is Mercedes F1 based?

The Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team operates from technology centres in Brackley and Brixworth in the United Kingdom.

Back to blog