Mercedes' head of motorsport Toto Wolff says a new deal for Lewis Hamilton was crucial to ensure the team can continue to be successful.
Hamilton's new three-year contract was confirmed on Wednesday in Monaco following months of negotiations, with the reigning world champion committing himself to the team until 2018. Wolff says it was important Mercedes retained the driver line-up which had been so successful last season - with Hamilton and team-mate Nico Rosberg winning 16 of 19 races - and hints Mercedes has increased Hamilton's wage to retain him.
"Continuity is one of the key factors for delivering success in Formula One and we now have that in place," Wolff said. "Lewis enjoyed an historic World Championship season with Mercedes-Benz last year and it was a priority for this season to renew his contract for the next term.
"We have taken the right amount of time with the process and not rushed ourselves. The result is a strong agreement that will enhance Lewis' association with the Mercedes-Benz brand, and that recognises and respects the market value of Lewis and of Mercedes in Formula One."
And Wolff says Hamilton's presence within the team has been positive for Mercedes-Benz as a whole.
"Lewis' sporting track record speaks for itself and he is a great personality for the company. Personally, I am looking forward to continuing to race with the strongest driver pairing in Formula One and to more historic achievements together."
Click here for a look at the technical updates brought by all the teams at the start of the European season
Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter
McLaren have always liked to do things quickly. But selling tomorrow’s car today sounds a…
Daniel Ricciardo may have closed the door on Formula 1, but it’s starting to sound…
Former Haas team principal Guenther Steiner is bracing for fireworks when Formula 1 kicks off…
Max Verstappen has never been shy with his opinions, and his latest take on team…
There are many in Formula 1 - beginning with Aston Martin team owner Lawrence Stroll…
After a 2025 season defined by growing pains and technical pivots, Pierre Gasly is finally…