By Alan Baldwin

(Reuters) -Mercedes ended months of waiting and confirmed George Russell and Kimi Antonelli on Wednesday as their drivers in an unchanged lineup to start Formula One’s new era in 2026.

The announcement came as no surprise, with Mercedes boss Toto Wolff making his intentions clear long ago even if nothing was signed.

“Confirming our driver line-up was always just a matter of when, not if,” said the Austrian in a team statement.

“We wanted to take our time, handle the negotiations properly and make sure everyone, on all sides, was happy. I’m pleased we have done that.

“George and Kimi have proved a strong pairing and we’re excited to continue our journey together. Our focus is now on the final six races of the year, as we fight for second in the constructors’, and onward

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