Toto Wolff stands with Lewis Hamilton and George Russell following the announcement that both will be staying at Mercedes through at least 2025 (Source: Mercedes-Benz)
One of the most significant pieces of speculation with Formula 1 silly season heading into 2024 was if Lewis Hamilton would remain with the Mercedes team that has supported him through multiple decades or if he would search for a different seat somewhere on the F1 grid.
That question was finally answered today as Mercedes AMG announced that Hamilton and George Russell would remain with the German manufacturer through at least 2025.
Lewis Hamilton, who has earned 82 of his 103 race wins and six of his seven World Drivers Championships with Mercedes, has not seen the top of the podium since the 2021 season. This left many to believe that with his contract expiring at the end of this year that he might find a different seat with a team like Ferrari. But Mercedes has their man and sticks by him no matter what.
After announcing the deal, Hamilton said, “There is no place I’d rather be. We have had an incredible journey together. Mercedes has been supporting me since I was 13.”
Mercedes has stuck with Hamilton through his karting days, Junior Formulas and his first few seasons with McLaren Mercedes as he became one of the most significant F1 drivers ever.
Also, George Russell was announced to be returning to the German manufacturer in the release. Russell joined their Young Drivers Academy in 2017 and officially joined the primary F1 team in 2022. He also won the lone Mercedes victory in 2022 after winning at the São Paulo Grand Prix in Brazil.
Russell said, “I want to be fighting for championships. This is what we are motivated to achieve. This is just the beginning.”
While Mercedes seems to be in a bit of a rebuilding phase, Russell believes that they are on the precipice of being able to go up there and fight against Red Bull for Grand Prix wins and championships for years to come.
Team Principal and CEO Toto Wolff adds, “Continuing with our current driver line-up 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. The strength and stability they provide will be key building blocks for our future success.”
Hamilton has yet to show signs of slowing down, while Russell is one of the sport’s rising stars capable of fighting for titles.
Looking forward to the rest of 0f 2023, Mercedes is continuing their fight for second place in the Constructors title, battling Aston Martin, Ferrari, and perhaps McLaren if their current pace continues through the end of the year. Also, Hamilton is in a close battle against former teammate and title-foe Fernando Alonso for third place in the Drivers Championship.
The extension secures Mercedes AMG’s driver lineup ahead of the Italian Grand Prix at the Autodromo Nazionale Monza, Round No. 15 of 23 for this year’s Formula 1 World Championship. Hamilton pursues his sixth Italian Grand Prix victory while Russell seeks his second career F1 win.
