The Mercedes F1 Junior Program has revealed its roster for the 2026 season, featuring young talents competing in categories ranging from karting to the Formula Regional European Championship (FREC). This selection demonstrates Mercedes’ ongoing commitment to fostering emerging racing stars through a well-established development system.
The official 2026 Junior Program drivers include Rashid Al Dhaheri, Ethan Jeff-Hall, Andy Consani, Luna Fluxá, Kenzo Craigie, James Anagnostiadis, Many Nuvolini, Devin Titz, and Niccolò Perico.
A Decade of Talent Development Celebrated by Mercedes
Gwen Lagrue, Mercedes’ Driver Development Advisor, highlighted that 2026 marks the tenth anniversary of the Junior Program, a milestone illustrating a decade-long journey in spotting and nurturing exceptional young drivers. She noted that the program has supported notable talents such as George Russell, Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Frederik Vesti, and Doriane Pin, helping guide their progression to elite levels of motorsport.
Lagrue expressed pride that the current Mercedes Formula 1 lineup is entirely composed of drivers developed through the Junior Program, underscoring the effectiveness of the team’s developmental philosophy and providing inspiration for incoming drivers.
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.
– Gwen Lagrue, Driver Development Advisor
Voices from Program Graduates Reflect the Program’s Influence
George Russell, a prominent graduate, credited the Mercedes Junior Program with playing a critical role throughout his career journey to and within Formula 1. He emphasized the unique encouragement the program provides, fostering confidence and maximized potential.
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 Program 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.
– George Russell, F1 Driver
Kimi Antonelli, another successful alum, reflected on the invaluable support received from the program on and off the track, describing it as an incredible journey of development and growth.
The Junior Program gave me huge support on and off the track. I had everything I needed to develop and improve. It’s been an incredible journey and this season’s Juniors will for sure enjoy it as much as I did.
– Kimi Antonelli, Racing Driver
Bradley Lord, representing the Mercedes team, detailed the program’s core principle of backing a carefully selected group of drivers whose talent and character align with the organization’s ambitions. He reiterated the commitment to providing an environment that nurtures learning and growth, even while acknowledging the unpredictable nature of motorsport success.
Each of these drivers has shown real promise, and we provide the support and the environment for them to continue learning and growing. Our role is to give them the tools, the guidance and the opportunities they need, and then to let their performances speak for themselves. There are no guarantees in this sport in terms of reaching the very top, but we’re excited to see what they’ll achieve in 2026.
– Bradley Lord, Team Representative
Profiles of the 2026 Junior Drivers and Their Rising Careers
Rashid Al Dhaheri: A Rising Emirati Talent in Formula Regional
Seventeen-year-old Rashid Al Dhaheri joined the Junior Program in 2025 and competes with R-ace GP in the Formula Regional Middle East Trophy as well as the Formula Regional European Championship. Beginning motorsport at just three years old, Rashid transitioned to karting at four and quickly amassed titles, including in 60Mini and OK Junior WSK series events.
In 2023, he debuted in single-seater racing with Prema Racing in the Italian F4 Championship, securing multiple podium finishes and top-10 standings. He continued strong performances in 2024 across various series in the UAE and Italy.
I’m very proud to be part of the Mercedes-AMG F1 Junior Programme. Being surrounded by such an experienced and successful group has helped me develop massively, both on and off the track. Over the last season we have worked incredibly hard, and it’s great to see that effort translating into strong results. I’m grateful for the guidance and support I receive every day, and I’m excited to keep pushing forward together for the rest of the season.
– Rashid Al Dhaheri, Junior Driver
Ethan Jeff-Hall: British Karting Champion Progressing in Single-Seaters
British driver Ethan Jeff-Hall, aged 17, also joined in 2025 and competes in British F4. His karting achievements are noteworthy, including winning the 2022 Rotax Max European Junior Championship, two consecutive Rotax Max Challenge International Trophy titles, and the 2024 FIA World Karting Championship in the OK category.
Additionally, Ethan won the Ginetta Junior Championship in his rookie car-racing season. His debut single-seater season in British F4 concluded with a fifth-place championship finish, highlighted by seven podiums and a notable podium at the Silverstone round during the British Grand Prix weekend.
It is an absolute honour to continue representing the Mercedes-AMG F1 Junior Program this year. Being signed with a team of this calibre is a dream come true. I’ve admired Mercedes from a young age, and to now be part of such an iconic organisation means a great deal to me. Mercedes set the benchmark in our sport, and I’m grateful for the trust they have placed in me as we head into the 2026 season together.
– Ethan Jeff-Hall, Junior Driver
Andy Consani: French Driver Combining Heritage and Early Success
Sixteen-year-old Frenchman Andy Consani joined the Junior Program in 2025. He made his single-seater debut in the French F4 Championship and has started 2026 competing in UAE4, where he earned three wins and six podiums to finish as UAE4 Vice-Champion. Andy will continue his campaign this year in both the Italian F4 and Euro4 Championships, racing alongside fellow Mercedes Junior Kenzo Craigie.
Racing runs in his family, with his father and uncle having motorsport backgrounds and his mother involved in the racing industry. Beginning karting laps at four and competitive racing at nine, Andy has demonstrated consistent progress across international karting competitions.
Thanks to the Junior Program, I have learned and progressed a lot since last year. The whole environment provided to us drivers is goal and human oriented. Everything, whether it is mental and physical preparation or advice on racing, is designed to help us succeed. I feel grateful to be amongst the drivers chosen to be a part of the Junior Programme.
– Andy Consani, Junior Driver
Luna Fluxá: Transitioning from Karting to Spanish F4 With Confidence
Having joined the Junior Program in 2022, Spanish driver Luna Fluxá has shown steady improvement throughout her karting career. Starting in 2017, she advanced through various European karting series, stepping up to the OK Junior and later OK Senior categories. Luna secured the OK Senior title in the Champions of the Future Academy Program and earned the Rising Star Award from the F1 Academy at the Autosport Awards.
In 2026, Luna graduates to car racing by entering the F4 Spanish Championship with Campos Racing.
I am very proud to have been part of the Junior Program for the past four years – it feels like being part of a family. The team supports me in and out of racing and have done so all the way from karting to Formula 4. They have done so much to help me get nearer to my dream of racing in F1 and I am grateful for that continued support. This year I will be racing in Spanish F4 with Campos; I hope to achieve great results and move upwards and onwards!
– Luna Fluxá, Junior Driver
Kenzo Craigie: Karting World Champion Ready for Single-Seater Step
British driver Kenzo Craigie, who joined Mercedes’ Junior Program in 2023, dominated the karting world before stepping up to single-seaters. In 2024, he won the FIA Karting World Championship in OK Junior and the IAME World Final X30 trophy, along with recognition for the FIA Karting Action of the Year at PF International.
Kenzo progressed to OK Senior in 2025, securing the Champions of the Future Euro Series title, and began his single-seater career with a successful UAE4 season, finishing third overall and clinching Rookie Champion honors. This year, he is competing in the Italian F4 and Euro4 Championships.
My final year in karting was another success, winning the Champions of the Future Championship. I’m excited to step up to F4 in 2026. It’s going to be a big move but I’m ready to learn, develop and keep pushing. Let’s see what we can do.
– Kenzo Craigie, Junior Driver
James Anagnostiadis: Australian Karting Star Continuing to Climb
Joining the Junior Program midway through 2024, Australian James Anagnostiadis is focusing on OK and KZ2 karting competitions in 2026. James began karting at seven and collected multiple state titles across different classes in Australia. He won the inaugural Champions of the Future Academy event in 2023 and relocated to Europe in 2024 for international competition with Kart Republic and Argenti Motorsport.
Among his achievements are finishing as Vice-Champion at the FIA Karting World Championships in OK Junior and earning the FIA Rookie of the Year nomination in OK senior.
Being part of the Mercedes-AMG F1 Junior Team is a huge honour for me and a big motivation to keep pushing every day. Racing in OK Senior and KZ2 with Kart Republic gives me the perfect environment to develop, learn, and compete at the highest level. I’m proud to represent Mercedes and can’t wait for the year ahead.
– James Anagnostiadis, Junior Driver
Many Nuvolini: Emerging French Talent in OK Junior Category
French driver Many Nuvolini, who joined Mercedes in 2025, competes in OK Junior this year. Beginning karting at age six, Many has accumulated podium finishes in prestigious national and international events such as the WSK series and the Italian Karting Championship. He earned Vice-Champion status in the 2025 Champions of the Future series for OK-N Junior.
I am very happy to be part of the Mercedes family and to be part of the Mercedes-AMG F1 Team Junior Programme. I will always give my best to live up to what the team expects of me and how I want to represent myself. I am proud and motivated for the year ahead and to continue to chase my dreams!
– Many Nuvolini, Junior Driver
Devin Titz: Promising German Youngster Excelling in Mini Karting
Born in 2014, German Devin Titz is among the newest additions to Mercedes’ Junior Program, competing mainly in Mini karting. Starting racing at age four, Devin quickly showed strong talent, winning the Rok Mini Rookie Championship and ADAC Kart Bundesendlauf, and securing multiple podiums, including finishing fourth in the 2024 German Kart Championship.
In 2025, Devin claimed the DMKM Mini Championship and secured pole position in the WSK Final Cup at Franciacorta with CRG Holland.
It is truly a dream come true to represent the Mercedes-AMG F1 Junior Program as a German driver. 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.
– Devin Titz, Junior Driver
Niccolò Perico: Italian Karting Star Stepping Into the Junior Program
Italian driver Niccolò Perico, born in 2014 in Alzano Lombardo, is a rising karting talent joining Mercedes’ Junior Program for 2026. Having won the prestigious 51st Trofeo delle Industrie in Mini U10 in 2023, Niccolò continued his success in 2024 by winning the Italian ACI Karting Championship in Mini U10, alongside victories at the Trofeo Margutti and Trofeo Industrie.
In 2025, Niccolò competed in the WSK Super Master Series Mini Gr.3 Final and stepped up to Mini Gr.3, winning the ROK Cup Superfinal with Team Driver Racing Kart.
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.
– Niccolò Perico, Junior Driver
Looking Ahead: Mercedes’ Commitment to Shaping Motorsport’s Future Champions
With such a diverse and talented group entering the 2026 season, the Mercedes F1 Junior Program continues to solidify its reputation as a foremost incubator of racing talent. The program’s ability to both identify promising drivers and provide comprehensive support ensures that its participants are well-prepared to navigate the challenges of motorsport advancement.
As some graduates now headline Mercedes’ Formula 1 roster, the program’s sustained success indicates its vital role in shaping the next generation of champions. Fans and industry observers alike will watch closely to see how these young drivers perform across various championships this year, potentially paving the way for future Formula 1 careers under the Mercedes banner.
