The Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team has officially unveiled its 2026 Junior Programme roster, marking the 10th anniversary of its prestigious young driver academy. The new line-up features rising talents competing across multiple categories, from karting to the Formula Regional European Championship (FREC), underlining Mercedes’ long-term commitment to developing future Formula 1 stars.

2026 Mercedes-AMG F1 Junior Programme Drivers

The official Junior Programme drivers for 2026 are:

• Rashid Al Dhaheri (17, UAE)
• Ethan Jeff-Hall (17, UK)
• Andy Consani (16, France)
• Luna Fluxá (15, Spain)
• Kenzo Craigie (15, UK)
• James Anagnostiadis (15, Australia)
• Many Nuvolini (12, France)
• Devin Titz (11, Germany)
• Niccolò Perico (11, Italy)

The programme spans a broad development ladder, from Mini karting and OK categories through to Formula 4 and Formula Regional competition.

A Decade of Developing Formula 1 Talent

Driver Development Advisor Gwen Lagrue highlighted the significance of the milestone year, noting that the Junior Programme has spent a decade identifying and nurturing elite racing talent.

The academy has previously supported drivers such as:

• George Russell
• Andrea Kimi Antonelli
• Frederik Vesti
• Doriane Pin

Notably, Mercedes’ 2026 Formula 1 driver line-up is composed entirely of graduates from its own Junior Programme — a testament to the academy’s long-term philosophy.

Lagrue emphasized that excellence remains the standard, with performance, victories and championships as the ultimate objectives.

George Russell and Kimi Antonelli Reflect on Junior Programme Impact

Current Mercedes F1 driver George Russell credited the Junior Programme as instrumental to his journey into Formula 1, highlighting the support of senior leadership including Toto Wolff and the driver development team.

Meanwhile, Andrea Kimi Antonelli described the academy as a unique opportunity that provides crucial on- and off-track support, encouraging the 2026 Juniors to maximise the experience.

Rising Stars Across Karting, F4 and Formula Regional

Rashid Al Dhaheri – Formula Regional Contender

Emirati driver Rashid Al Dhaheri continues in Formula Regional after a successful karting career and competitive Italian F4 campaigns. A multiple WSK champion, he now races in Formula Regional European Championship competition with R-ace GP.

Ethan Jeff-Hall – British F4 Progression

British racer Ethan Jeff-Hall builds on an impressive karting CV, including an FIA World Karting Championship title, and continues his development in British F4 after securing multiple podium finishes in his rookie season.

Andy Consani & Kenzo Craigie – F4 Step Up

Frenchman Andy Consani and British talent Kenzo Craigie graduate to Italian F4 and Euro4 competition. Craigie notably won the FIA Karting World Championship and Champions of the Future Euro Series before stepping into single-seaters.

Luna Fluxá – Spanish F4 Debut

Spanish driver Luna Fluxá transitions from karting to the F4 Spanish Championship after winning the OK Senior title in the Champions of the Future Academy Programme and earning the F1 Academy Rising Star Award.

James Anagnostiadis – Karting Standout

Australian James Anagnostiadis continues in OK Senior and KZ2 karting after finishing Vice-Champion at the FIA Karting World Championships and earning FIA Rookie of the Year nomination.

Many Nuvolini, Devin Titz & Niccolò Perico – Karting’s Next Generation

The youngest members of the 2026 roster — Many Nuvolini, Devin Titz and Niccolò Perico — compete across OK Junior, Mini and OK-NG categories, representing the next wave of European karting talent.

Mercedes Junior Programme: A Proven Pathway to F1

Team Representative Bradley Lord reiterated that the Junior Programme supports a select group of drivers with both talent and character, providing them with the tools, environment and guidance to reach the highest level.

With a decade of proven success and multiple graduates now racing in Formula 1, the Mercedes-AMG F1 Junior Programme continues to set the benchmark for driver development in global motorsport.

As the programme celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2026, all eyes will be on this new generation of rising stars aiming to follow in the footsteps of Russell and Antonelli — and potentially become the next Formula 1 world champions.