Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton and teammate George Russell have both signed contracts that would extend their stay with Mercedes up to 2025.
Hamilton, 38 years old, has inked a deal that will push his stay with Mercedes to 13 years, as he first signed with them in 2013. This move helps ensure that he remains a prominent figure in Formula 1 ever after he clocks 40.
For Hamilton, this new contract signifies his determination to pursue an eighth-world drivers’ title, a quest that gained significance after the contentious 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, where he narrowly lost to Max Verstappen due to rule interpretation controversies.
Meanwhile, George Russell, who joined Mercedes in 2022, has also signed a two-year extension, securing his position within the team.
Both Hamilton and Russell’s contract renewals come as no surprise, as they were anticipated by the Formula 1 community and align with promises made by Hamilton and team principal Toto Wolff earlier in the season.
For Hamilton, this extension represents a continued partnership with Mercedes, both on and off the track, as he seeks to further his already impressive legacy in the sport. He expressed his dedication to the team, saying, “We continue to chase our dreams, we continue to fight no matter the challenge, and we will win again.”
Hamilton has enjoyed remarkable success with Mercedes, securing six of his seven driver’s championships with the team, while his first championship in 2008 was powered by Mercedes engines during his time with McLaren.
George Russell, 25, voiced his enthusiasm for the contract extension, highlighting his deep connection with Mercedes, which dates back to his inclusion in the junior program in 2017. He acknowledged the trust and belief the team has placed in him since stepping into the Mercedes race seat last year.
Russell also pointed to the progress made over the past 18 months and the team’s growing strength and unity. He expressed excitement about continuing to contribute to the team’s development and aiming to return Mercedes to the forefront of Formula 1 in the upcoming years.
Leon Osamor
