Mercedes has confirmed its Junior Programme because it provides two drivers to its roster, karting prospects Niccolò Perico and Devin Titz.
The announcement, printed by the Mercedes System 1 workforce, describes this programme as a decade-long pipeline spanning expertise from karting by means of to the System 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 workforce. I want to thank Motorsport Group Germany for nominating me for the joint expertise promotion venture with Mercedes.”
Perico, who received the ROK Cup Superfinal in 2025, added, “It’s a nice honour for me to affix the Mercedes-AMG F1 Group Junior Programme. I’m assured this will likely be a decisive step in my profession, and I’m really trying 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, growing and selling excellent expertise,” Gwen Lagrue, driver improvement advisor, mentioned.
“Over time, the programme has supported and nurtured drivers corresponding to George Russell, Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Frederik Vesti and Doriane Pin, guiding them on their path to the best stage of our sport. Our 2026 System 1 line-up is totally 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 System One Group and representing our organisation, and the two,000 folks behind it, throughout the assorted junior classes is each an amazing honour and a big accountability.
“For these younger drivers, in addition to for my workforce and myself, excellence is the usual. We constantly refine and enhance our strategies of help and improvement, all the time with efficiency, victories and championships as the final word goal. I sincerely hope that 2026 will likely be marked with success, permitting us to have fun this tenth anniversary in the absolute best manner.”
The oldest of the group, 17-year-old Emirati Rashid Al Dhaheri, continues in System Regional, whereas British System 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, changing into UAE4 vice-champion this yr.
George Russell, Mercedes
Picture by: Sam Bagnall / Sutton Photographs through 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 workforce, 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 variety of ages and a number of nationalities, Mercedes is definitely eager to have fun the worldwide racing expertise on provide.
George Russell, a longing for the 2026 F1 championship, was formed by this programme. “The workforce’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 immediately with out the help from the very high, from Toto, from Gwen, and from so many individuals within the workforce who’ve backed me.
“What’s particular about Mercedes is that they gas your potential. They encourage you to go on the market, give every thing, 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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