Lewis Hamilton will continue to drive for Mercedes in the future. The Silver Arrows extended both the contract of the record world champion in Formula 1 and that of his teammate George Russell. As the Silver Arrows announced before the Italian Grand Prix in Monza, the two Brits will remain with Mercedes for another two years.
“We keep chasing our dreams, we keep fighting no matter how big the challenge, and we will win again. I am grateful to the team that supports me both on and off the track“said the seven-time world champion Hamilton, whose contract extension had long been considered a formality. “Our story is not over yet, we are determined to achieve more together and we will not stop until we do.“
Six times world champion
Hamilton began his Formula 1 career in 2007, moving from McLaren to Mercedes in the 2013 season to succeed Michael Schumacher. With the Silver Arrows he became world champion six times. He has won 103 races so far and secured 104 pole positions. The former industry leader Mercedes is currently driving in the shadow of Red Bull and double world champion Max Verstappen.
“Our partnership with Lewis is one of the most successful in the history of the sport. It was always just a formality that we would go on together – and we take all the energy out of publicly acknowledging that. His qualities as a racer are demonstrated by his remarkable track record, but over the years we have shared he has become a pillar and leader of our team“Toto Wolff explained.
The Mercedes team boss continued: “These leadership qualities are vital as we focus on fighting for world championships again.” Wolff also praised Hamilton’s commitment to the fight for diversity and sustainability.
Russell combines “speed with the toughness of a real fighter”
Hamilton has been driving alongside Russell for Mercedes since the 2022 season. The young Brit then replaced the Finn Valtteri Bottas. Russell comes from the Mercedes offspring.
“George is one of the leading figures of his generation. He has repaid the trust we placed in him when we promoted him to duty driver in 2022.”, explained Wolff. “His first pole position in Hungary and his first Grand Prix victory in Sao Paulo were among the outstanding moments of the past season. As a driver, he combines blistering speed with the tenacity of a real fighter.”