Mercedes have retained Lewis Hamilton and George Russell on two-year contracts until the end of 2025 season.
Questions had swirled around Hamilton’s future in recent months after he went through last season without a single race victory, which still remains the case this season.
The seven-time champion however has iterated that he wants to return to the winning step of the podium as he explained: “We dream everyday of being the best and we have dedicated the past decade together to achieving that goal.
“Being at the top does not happen overnight or over a short period of time, it takes commitment, hard work and dedication and it’s been an honour to earn our way into the history books with this incredible team.”
Hamilton consequently feels more “hungrier” to chase the title amidst Red Bull’s dominance as he added: “We have learnt from every success but also every setback. We continue to chase our dreams, we continue to fight no matter the challenge and we will win again.
“I’m grateful to the team who have supported me both on and off the track. Our story isn’t finished, we are determined to achieve more together and we won’t stop until we do.”
Russell meanwhile had been widely to stay with Mercedes after two solid seasons with the Silver Arrows, during which he won the 2022 Sao Paulo Grand Prix.
Speaking about his decision to extend his contract for two more seasons despite having already been contracted for next season, Russell said: “I have grown up with this team ever since joining as part of the Junior programme back in 2017.
“It’s my home and it feels fantastic to extend our special relationship through 2025. Russell also claimed a maiden pole position at last season’s Hungarian GP but praised his team for their push to fight for pole positions and wins, as he added: “More importantly though, it’s been great to work with everybody at Brackley and Brixworth to make progress with our car and push forward our development. Their loyalty, vision and hard work is inspiring. “We have made some significant steps over the last 18 months and are only getting stronger as a team. I’m excited to help continue to build on that momentum as we progress into 2024 and 2025 as we continue to focus on returning to the very front of the pack.”
Mercedes CEO and Team Principal, Toto Wolff stated that the decision to retain Hamilton and Russell “was a straightforward decision.”
Wolff also spoke of their contributions towards the team’s development as he continued: “We have the strongest pairing on the grid and both drivers are playing a crucial role in the team to move us forward. The strength and stability they provide will be key building blocks for our future success.”
Wolff also addressed speculation over Hamilton’s future as he described the contract renewal as “a formaility” given that his “qualities as a pure racing driver are illustrated by his remarkable track record; but over our years together, he has grown to become a pillar and leader of our team.
“Those leadership qualities are crucial as we focus on fighting for world championships again. As F1’s biggest global star, he has also played a key role in shaping our commitments to diversity, inclusion and sustainability, that will be foundations for our success in the years ahead.”
On the decision to retain Russell, Wolff described him as “a leading light” who “combines razor-sharp speed with the tenacity of a true fighter. But he brings, too, an intelligence and attention to detail that will help him to continue to grow, develop and improve further.”
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