Done! Hamilton extends Mercedes F1 contract until 2025

Lewis Hamilton has extended his allegiance to Mercedes in F1 until the end of the 2025 season, while George Russell will also remain with the Brackley squad for the next two seasons.

Hamilton's new deal with Mercedes, while never really in doubt, was a long time coming, with team boss Toto Wolff repeating almost every other week since the start of the year that a renewed partnership between team and driver was just around the corner and largely dependent on the resolution of "trivial" details.

Since joining the German outfit from McLaren in 2013, Hamilton has taken 82 victories, 78 pole positions and six world titles en route to becoming the most successful driver in F1's history.

Hamilton's two-year extension will take the 38-year-old right up to the end of the sport's current technical regulations cycle, with a reset taking place for 2026 with the introduction of all-new engine and chassis rules.

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"We dream everyday of being the best and we have dedicated the past decade together to achieving that goal," said Hamilton commenting on his new deal.

"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.

"We have never been hungrier to win. 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, who joined Mercedes at the start of 2022 and who has always been perceived as Hamilton's natural successor with the team, is equally delighted to continue his promising journey with the Brackley outfit.

"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," he said.

"After stepping up to the Mercedes race seat last year, I wanted to reward the trust and belief that Toto and the rest of the team placed in me.

"Taking my first pole position and race win last year was an unforgettable feeling. 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."

Despite the time it has taken for Mercedes and Hamilton to agree on a new deal, Wolff said that sticking to its current line-up for the next two years was "a straightforward decision".

"We have the strongest pairing on the grid and both drivers are playing a crucial role in the team to move us forward," he added.

"The strength and stability they provide will be key building blocks for our future success.

"Our partnership with Lewis is one of the most successful in the sport's history. It was always a formality that we would continue together - and it's energising for us all to be confirming that publicly.

"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.

"George is a leading light of his generation. He has repaid the faith we showed in him when promoting him to a race seat in 2022," added the Austrian.

"His maiden pole position in Hungary and first Grand Prix victory in São Paulo were standout moments last season. As a driver, he 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.

"He is a natural fit to the team and we are delighted to have extended the relationship for the coming years."

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