Mercedes-AMG Bolsters Junior Ranks with Nine Talents for 2026, Marking a Decade of Driver Development.

The Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team has officially confirmed the expansion of its prestigious Junior Programme, adding two promising karting prospects, Niccolò Perico and Devin Titz, to its roster for the 2026 season. This announcement comes as the programme prepares to mark its tenth anniversary, underscoring a decade-long commitment to identifying, nurturing, and promoting motorsport talent from the grassroots of karting through to the highly competitive Formula Regional European Championship.

The expansion brings the total number of drivers under the Mercedes banner to nine for the upcoming season, reflecting the team’s ongoing investment in future racing stars. The news, disseminated by the Mercedes Formula 1 team, swiftly garnered significant public attention, accumulating over 17,000 likes and numerous comments on Instagram within hours of its posting, including an endorsement from current Mercedes junior and rising single-seater sensation, Andrea Kimi Antonelli.

Devin Titz, an 11-year-old German Mini karter who finished fourth in the highly competitive 2024 German Kart Championship, expressed profound pride in joining the ranks. "It is truly a dream come true to represent the Mercedes-AMG F1 Junior Programme as a German driver," Titz stated in an official press release. "Mercedes stands for excellence and success, and I’m incredibly proud to be part of this team. I would like to thank Motorsport Team Germany for nominating me for the joint talent promotion project with Mercedes." His inclusion highlights the programme’s focus on national talent development in conjunction with local motorsport federations.

Joining Titz is Niccolò Perico, an 11-year-old Italian OK NG racer, who demonstrated his potential by winning the ROK Cup Superfinal in 2025. Perico echoed Titz’s sentiments, acknowledging the significance of this career milestone. "It is a great honour for me to join the Mercedes-AMG F1 Team Junior Programme. I am confident this will be a decisive step in my career, and I am truly looking forward to making the most of this opportunity." Both young drivers embody the programme’s objective of scouting prodigious talent at an early stage, providing them with a structured pathway for progression.

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Gwen Lagrue, Mercedes’ dedicated driver development advisor, underscored the programme’s enduring success and strategic importance. "2026 marks the 10th anniversary of our Junior Programme, a milestone that reflects a decade of identifying, developing and promoting outstanding talent," Lagrue commented. He highlighted the critical role the initiative has played in shaping the careers of several prominent drivers. "Over the years, the programme has supported and nurtured drivers such as George Russell, Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Frederik Vesti and Doriane Pin, guiding them on their path to the highest level of our sport."

Lagrue further articulated the programme’s ultimate ambition, stating, "Our 2026 Formula 1 line-up is entirely composed of drivers who have emerged from our own programme, which is a source of great pride and satisfaction for all of us." This aspirational statement reflects Mercedes’ confidence in its development system and its long-term strategy to cultivate homegrown F1 talent, thereby reducing reliance on external driver acquisitions. He added, "It demonstrates the strength of our philosophy and sets a clear example for the next generation within our ranks. I am certain that our young drivers will draw inspiration and motivation from this pathway."

The responsibility associated with representing the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team is a recurring theme within the programme. "Wearing the colours of the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team and representing our organisation, and the 2,000 people behind it, across the various junior categories is both a tremendous honour and a significant responsibility," Lagrue noted. He concluded by setting a clear benchmark: "For these young drivers, as well as for my team and myself, excellence is the standard. We continuously refine and improve our methods of support and development, always with performance, victories and championships as the ultimate objective. I sincerely hope that 2026 will be marked with success, allowing us to celebrate this 10th anniversary in the best possible way."

The nine drivers poised to carry the Mercedes star in 2026 represent a diverse cohort across various ages and racing disciplines, showcasing the global reach and multi-tiered structure of the programme.

At the more senior end of the junior ladder:

Rashid Al Dhaheri, the 17-year-old Emirati talent, will continue his progression in Formula Regional, a crucial step before Formula 3. Al Dhaheri’s continued presence underscores the programme’s long-term commitment to individual driver development.
Ethan Jeff-Hall, a British Formula 4 driver, will remain in British F4, having joined the outfit in 2025 alongside Al Dhaheri. His consistent performance in national championships is key to his trajectory.
Andy Consani, a 16-year-old Frenchman who also joined in 2025, has already achieved significant success, becoming the UAE F4 vice-champion this year, marking him as a strong contender for future advancements.

In the mid-tier single-seater categories:

Luna Fluxá, a 15-year-old Spanish driver, is set to graduate from karting into Spanish F4, a pivotal transition in her career after joining the programme in 2022.
Kenzo Cragie, also 15, will compete in both the Italian F4 and Euro4 championships, two of Europe’s most competitive junior single-seater series, providing him with extensive track time and varied competition.

Within the foundational karting ranks:

James Anagnostiadis, in his second year with the team, will continue to hone his skills in OK and KZ2 karting, categories renowned for their intense competition and direct relevance to single-seater racing.
Many Nuvolini, a 12-year-old French karter, represents the next wave of talent, focusing on fundamental race craft.
The newly recruited Devin Titz (11, German Mini karter) and Niccolò Perico (11, Italian OK NG racer) complete the younger echelon, laying the groundwork for their long-term development.

This diverse spread of ages and nationalities reaffirms Mercedes’ commitment to scouting and nurturing talent from across the globe, ensuring a broad pool of potential future champions.

The impact of the Mercedes Junior Programme is perhaps best exemplified by George Russell, a current Mercedes F1 driver and a hopeful for future championships. Russell’s journey through the programme serves as a powerful testament to its efficacy. "The team’s Junior Programme has massively helped me throughout my journey both to, and in F1," Russell remarked. "I genuinely wouldn’t be here today without the support from the very top, from Toto, from Gwen, and from so many people in the team who’ve backed me."

Russell highlighted the unique culture of the programme that fosters growth and confidence. "What’s special about Mercedes is that they fuel your potential. They encourage you to go out there, give everything, and trust that you have what it takes. Being part of the Junior Programme meant so much to me. Wearing the star for the first time was a really special moment, and it’s something you wear with pride." His words underscore the psychological and developmental benefits beyond mere financial support, emphasizing mentorship and belief in a driver’s abilities.

In the highly competitive world of Formula 1, junior driver programmes have become an indispensable strategic asset for top teams. Mercedes-AMG Petronas, a team with an illustrious history including eight consecutive Constructors’ Championships from 2014 to 2021, understands the imperative of a robust talent pipeline. These programmes not only secure future talent but also offer a cost-effective alternative to signing established, often more expensive, drivers. Furthermore, cultivating drivers from a young age instils a deep sense of loyalty and understanding of the team’s culture and values, which can be invaluable in the high-pressure environment of F1. The success of rivals like Red Bull and Ferrari with their own academies has only intensified the focus on these developmental structures.

As Mercedes enters its second decade of dedicated junior driver development, the expanded 2026 roster signals a continued, resolute investment in the sport’s future. The blend of experienced junior racers and newly inducted karting sensations positions the Mercedes-AMG Junior Programme as a formidable force in the cultivation of the next generation of motorsport champions, aiming to perpetuate the team’s legacy of excellence and success at the pinnacle of racing.

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Jonas Leo: Jonas Leo is a passionate motorsport journalist and lifelong Formula 1 enthusiast. With a sharp eye for race strategy and driver performance, he brings readers closer to the world of Grand Prix racing through in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive paddock insights. Jonas has covered everything from preseason testing to dramatic title deciders, capturing the emotion and precision that define modern F1. When he’s not tracking lap times or pit stop tactics, he enjoys exploring classic racing archives and writing about the evolution of F1 technology.

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