Lewis Hamilton and George Russell have both agreed to extend their contracts with Mercedes as drivers.

 

Lewis Hamilton and George Russell are set to remain as Mercedes' driver duo for a minimum of the next two years.

Hamilton has inked a fresh contract, solidifying his association with the team for an extended span of 13 years and ensuring his presence in Formula 1 well beyond his 40th birthday.

Furthermore, Russell, who became part of Mercedes in 2022, has also formalized a two-year agreement.

This step confirms the earlier assertions made by Hamilton and team principal Toto Wolff that a new contract for the seven-time champion was merely a matter of time within this season.

For Hamilton, this extension grants him the opportunity to pursue an unprecedented eighth world drivers' title. Both the driver and the team are convinced that the title was unjustly eluded from their grasp in the contentious 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Following rule violations by former FIA race director Michael Masi during a late-race safety car period, Hamilton lost the title to Max Verstappen of Red Bull.

Subsequent to this incident, Mercedes' competitive standing has waned, as Red Bull has assumed dominance over the sport.

Hamilton, who has consistently expressed his desire to maintain his connection with Mercedes long after his retirement from the driver's seat, remarked, "Every day, we envision ourselves as the best, and over the past decade, we have collectively dedicated ourselves to achieving that aspiration."

He continued, "Reaching the pinnacle isn't an instantaneous feat; it necessitates unwavering commitment, tireless effort, and unyielding dedication. It has been a privilege to etch our names in the annals of history alongside this extraordinary team."

Hamilton emphasized the team's ongoing hunger for victory, underlining that triumph is a result of learning from both successes and setbacks. He affirmed their relentless pursuit of dreams and their willingness to confront any challenge that arises, vowing that they will secure victory once again. Expressing gratitude, he acknowledged the team's support both on and off the track, and stressed that their journey is far from over—they are resolute in their determination to achieve more together.

Russell, aged 25, shared his sentiments, saying, "My association with this team dates back to 2017 when I joined as part of the junior program. This team has become my home, and extending our special partnership through 2025 feels truly incredible."

Reflecting on his transition to the Mercedes race seat in the previous year, he expressed his desire to honor the trust and confidence invested in him by Toto Wolff and the entire team. He recalled his unforgettable experience of achieving his first pole position and race victory last year.

Yet, he placed emphasis on the collaborative effort behind the scenes, stating, "What's even more significant is the progress we've made with our car's development and our collective efforts at both Brackley and Brixworth. The team's unwavering dedication, foresight, and hard work serve as a constant source of inspiration."

Highlighting their progress over the past year and a half, he declared their increasing strength as a team and his enthusiasm for contributing to their continued momentum in the upcoming years. He expressed eagerness to further elevate their standing as they look ahead to 2024 and 2025, and their steadfast focus on returning to the forefront of the racing pack.