Who drives for Mercedes in F1?
As of 2025, George Russell and Kimi Antonelli are the only drivers to have driven for Mercedes, with the former having done so since 2022 and the latter starting in 2025. George Russell has confirmed there are performance-related guarantees in his Mercedes contract to race in 2027 as well as next season, suggesting his seat is safe should boss Toto Wolff pursue Max Verstappen again.Following the recent confirmation that George Russell will remain as a Mercedes driver in 2026, Toto Wolff has discussed a detail that the team had to factor in when renewing his contract.
Why did Hamilton leave Mercedes?
Sources say Hamilton wanted three years, Mercedes wanted to offer him just one year. A compromise was a one-year deal with an option to extend. So when Ferrari came calling with a multi-year contract with more commitment than Mercedes delivered, that was very attractive. In a wide-ranging discussion with Sean Gregory, Hamilton opens up on his decision to leave Mercedes, his interests away from the sport, and his F1 legacy. Regarding his decision to leave Mercedes, Hamilton told Gregory that it was a matter of not sitting still, and tackling another series of “firsts” in his career.
Who will replace Hamilton in Mercedes?
Andrea Kimi Antonelli: Italian teenager replaces Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes for 2025 season – BBC Sport. Antonelli (pictured at the Japanese Grand Prix) debuted in Formula One with Mercedes in 2025, aged 18. Antonelli signed for Mercedes in 2025, replacing Lewis Hamilton to partner George Russell on a one-year contract.
Is number 69 banned in F1?
Is the Number 69 Banned in F1? No. While the number 69 isn’t officially banned under FIA regulations, it has never appeared on the grid since drivers were given the freedom to choose their permanent numbers in 2014. F1 drivers are allowed to choose a number between 2 and 99, which remain theirs for the duration of their career in the sport. If they depart the sport for any reason – be it a retirement or anything else – then their numbers would be reserved for two seasons, preventing any newcomers in that period from selecting it.Currently, drivers are allowed to pick their own number for their career from 0, 2 through 99. Only the World Champion is allowed to use number 1. This number cannot be reallocated unless the driver has not driven in the sport for two seasons, with the exception of the number 1.F1 Driver Number Rules Choosing a number: Each driver has the opportunity to choose a permanent number between 2 and 99, excluding 17, that they can use throughout their F1 career. The number 17 is not used as a mark of respect following the death of Jules Bianchi, who carried that number throughout his F1 career.Yes, 13 is allowed. In fact, Pastor Maldonado used #13 when the permanent number system began in 2014. Though often considered unlucky in some cultures, F1 left the choice to the drivers.