Mercedes has confirmed its Junior Programme because it provides two drivers to its roster, karting prospects Niccolò Perico and Devin Titz.
The announcement, revealed by the Mercedes Method 1 staff, describes this programme as a decade-long pipeline spanning expertise from karting by to the Method Regional European Championship. Inside hours of the information being posted to Instagram, it drew over 17,000 likes and feedback from the likes of Kimi Antonelli.
“It’s really a dream come true to symbolize the Mercedes-AMG F1 Junior Programme as a German driver,” mentioned Titz, who completed fourth within the 2024 German Kart Championship, in a press launch. “Mercedes stands for excellence and success, and I’m extremely proud to be a part of this staff. I want to thank Motorsport Workforce Germany for nominating me for the joint expertise promotion undertaking with Mercedes.”
Perico, who gained the ROK Cup Superfinal in 2025, added, “It’s a nice honour for me to affix the Mercedes-AMG F1 Workforce Junior Programme. I’m assured this will probably be a decisive step in my profession, and I’m really wanting ahead to benefiting from this chance.”
Listed below are the 9 names Mercedes is betting on:
- Rashid Al Dhaheri
- Ethan Jeff-Corridor
- Andy Consani
- Luna Fluxá
- Kenzo Cragie
- James Anagnostiadis
- Many Nuvolini
- Devin Titz
- Niccolò Perico
“2026 marks the tenth anniversary of our Junior Programme, a milestone that displays a decade of figuring out, creating and selling excellent expertise,” Gwen Lagrue, driver growth advisor, mentioned.
“Through the years, the programme has supported and nurtured drivers akin to George Russell, Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Frederik Vesti and Doriane Pin, guiding them on their path to the very best degree of our sport. Our 2026 Method 1 line-up is completely composed of drivers who’ve emerged from our personal programme, which is a supply of nice pleasure and satisfaction for all of us.
“It demonstrates the energy of our philosophy and units a transparent instance for the subsequent era inside our ranks. I’m sure that our younger drivers will draw inspiration and motivation from this pathway. Sporting the colors of the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Method One Workforce and representing our organisation, and the two,000 individuals behind it, throughout the varied junior classes is each an amazing honour and a big duty.
“For these younger drivers, in addition to for my staff and myself, excellence is the usual. We constantly refine and enhance our strategies of help and growth, all the time with efficiency, victories and championships as the last word goal. I sincerely hope that 2026 will probably be marked with success, permitting us to rejoice this tenth anniversary in the absolute best means.”
The oldest of the group, 17-year-old Emirati Rashid Al Dhaheri, continues in Method Regional, whereas British Method 4 driver Ethan Jeff-Corridor will keep in British F4 after becoming a member of the outfit in 2025 alongside the Emirati. 16-year-old Frenchman Andy Consani additionally joined in the identical yr, and has since seen enormous success, turning into UAE4 vice-champion this yr.
George Russell, Mercedes
Picture by: Sam Bagnall / Sutton Photographs by way of Getty Photographs
15-year-old Luna Fluxá graduates from karts into Spanish F4 after becoming a member of the programme in 2022, and Kenzo Cragie, the identical age, will compete in Italian F4 and Euro4 championships. James Anagnostiadis, in his second yr with the staff, continues racing in OK and KZ2 karting.
On the youthful finish of the roster, 12-year-old French karter Many Nuvolini is joined by two 11-year-old racers: German Mini karter Titz and Italian OK NG racer Perico.
With a diffusion of ages and a number of nationalities, Mercedes is definitely eager to rejoice the worldwide racing expertise on supply.
George Russell, a eager for the 2026 F1 championship, was formed by this programme. “The staff’s Junior Programme has massively helped me all through my journey each to, and in F1,” he mentioned. “I genuinely wouldn’t be right here in the present day with out the help from the very prime, from Toto, from Gwen, and from so many individuals within the staff who’ve backed me.
“What’s particular about Mercedes is that they gasoline your potential. They encourage you to go on the market, give every part, and belief that you’ve got what it takes. Being a part of the Junior Programme meant a lot to me. Sporting the star for the primary time was a very particular second, and it’s one thing you put on with pleasure.”
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