Mercedes Announce Driver Change Ahead of 2026 Season as Statement Issued

Mercedes have announced a new driver ahead of the 2026 Formula 1 season.

Last week, Mercedes were among the 10 teams taking part in a private test held at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. Williams were the only ones missing due to car delays.

According to Soy Motor via X, Mercedes were the most impressive team in Barcelona, but George Russell's 1:16.445 was not the quickest time of the week.

That was set in the dying moments by Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton, who set a 1:16.3 with just minutes remaining of the week's test.

Later this month, F1 testing will return in Bahrain, and the 2026 season will kick off with the Australian Grand Prix in March.

On Monday, Mercedes announced that F2 driver Joshua Dürksen will become a Development Driver for 2026.

The Paraguayan spent the last two campaigns in F2 and achieved four victories and 12 podiums.

Dürksen is set to share the role with F1 Academy champion Doriane Pin and will 'carry out simulator duties and several days of Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) running alongside his F2 programme'.

A statement read: "The team also welcomes several new Development Drivers. Doriane Pin, last year’s F1 Academy Champion, graduates from the junior programme and will take on additional responsibilities in this role.

"F2 race winner Joshua Dürksen also becomes a Development Driver; the Paraguayan will carry out simulator duties and several days of Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) running alongside his F2 programme.

"Former F1 driver Anthony Davidson, who has been a core part of the development work on the 2026 car, also continues his simulator support and simulator driver roster management too."

Meanwhile, Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff spoke about Russell and Kimi Antonelli for the season ahead.

He said: "George has become one of the most complete and dependable racers in the sport, a benchmark in speed, intelligence, and leadership. Kimi brings talent and fearlessness, matched with an eagerness to learn that accelerates his growth."