The long-anticipated Lewis Hamilton contract extension has lastly been confirmed.
However that’s not the one information that Mercedes delivered on Thursday forward of the Italian Grand Prix.
The Method 1 group introduced that each Hamilton and teammate George Russell had signed contract extensions, insuring that Mercedes’ present driver lineup can be in place by means of the 2025 season.
“Persevering with with our present driver line-up was an easy resolution. We’ve got the strongest pairing on the grid and each drivers are enjoying a vital position within the group to maneuver us ahead,” stated Workforce Principal Toto Wolff in a press release delivered to the media. “The energy and stability they supply can be key constructing blocks for our future success.”
Hamilton’s contract was set to run out on the finish of the season. Whereas a contract extension has been long-rumored, each the motive force and Wolff indicated in current weeks that solely the ultimate particulars remained. It appears these have been finalized.
Now the motive force can focus solely on delivering extra success to the group.
“We dream on a regular basis of being the perfect and now we have devoted the previous decade collectively to reaching that purpose. Being on the prime doesn’t occur in a single day or over a brief time period, it takes dedication, exhausting work and dedication and it’s been an honour to earn our approach into the historical past books with this unbelievable group, stated Hamilton.
”We’ve got by no means been hungrier to win. We’ve got learnt from each success but additionally each setback. We proceed to chase our goals, we proceed to battle regardless of the problem and we’ll win once more,” added the veteran driver. “I’m grateful to the group who’ve supported me each on and off the observe. Our story isn’t completed, we’re decided to attain extra collectively and we received’t cease till we do.”
As for Russell, he joined the group’s junior program again in 2017, and now could be slated to be with Mercedes by means of a minimum of 2025.
“I’ve grown up with this group ever since becoming a member of as a part of the Junior programme again in 2017. It’s my house and it feels improbable to increase our particular relationship by means of 2025,” stated Russell.
“After stepping as much as the Mercedes race seat final 12 months, I needed to reward the belief and perception that Toto and the remainder of the group positioned in me. Taking my first pole place and race win final 12 months was an unforgettable feeling,” added Russell. “Extra importantly although, it’s been nice to work with all people at Brackley and Brixworth to make progress with our automobile and push ahead our improvement. Their loyalty, imaginative and prescient and exhausting work is inspiring.”
Wolff had reward for each drivers.
“Our partnership with Lewis is among the most profitable within the sport’s historical past. It was all the time a formality that we’d proceed collectively – and it’s energising for us all to be confirming that publicly. His qualities as a pure racing driver are illustrated by his exceptional observe document; however over our years collectively, he has grown to turn into a pillar and chief of our group,” stated Wolff about Hamilton. “These management qualities are essential as we concentrate on preventing for world championships once more. As F1’s largest international star, he has additionally performed a key position in shaping our commitments to variety, inclusion and sustainability, that can be foundations for our success within the years forward.”
“George is a number one mild of his technology. He has repaid the religion we confirmed in him when selling him to a race seat in 2022. His maiden pole place in Hungary and first Grand Prix victory in São Paulo had been standout moments final season. As a driver, he combines razor-sharp pace with the tenacity of a real fighter,” added Wolff. “However he brings, too, an intelligence and a focus to element that may assist him to proceed to develop, develop and enhance additional. He’s a pure match to the group and we’re delighted to have prolonged the connection for the approaching years.”
With this bit of labor executed, the Silver Arrows can concentrate on holding on to second place within the Constructors’ Championship.
