Hamilton and Russell extend Mercedes F1 contracts until 2025

Mercedes has confirmed that Lewis Hamilton and George Russell will continue to race for the team in Formula 1 until the end of the 2025 season, ending months of speculation about their future.

Hamilton’s long-awaited deal

Hamilton, who joined Mercedes in 2013 and has won six of his seven world titles with the team, had been out of contract at the end of this year.

The Briton had previously stated that he wanted to stay with Mercedes, but the negotiations had been delayed by various factors.

The new two-year deal, announced on Thursday at the 2023 Italian Grand Prix, will see Hamilton race for Mercedes until he is 40 years old.

It also puts an end to the rumours that he could be tempted by a move to Ferrari, which had reportedly made him an offer ahead of this year’s Monaco GP.

Hamilton said that he was grateful to the team for their support and that he was determined to achieve more success with them.

“We dream every day of being the best and we have dedicated the past decade together to achieving that goal,” he said.

"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’s extended stay

George Russell, who made his F1 debut with Williams in 2019 and impressed with his performances, had been widely tipped to replace Valtteri Bottas at Mercedes for 2021.

Russell had already signed a long-term deal with Mercedes back in 2021, which secured him a race seat until the end of 2024.

The announcement made on Thursday extends that contract for an additional season, meaning that he will partner Hamilton for at least three years.

Russell said that he was delighted to continue his relationship with Mercedes, which started when he joined their junior programme in 2017.

"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.

“After stepping up to the Mercedes race seat last year, I wanted to reward the trust and belief that Toto [Wolff, team principal] and the rest of the team placed in me.”

A strong line-up for Mercedes

The confirmation of Hamilton and Russell as Mercedes’ drivers for the next three seasons gives the team a strong and balanced line-up.

Hamilton is widely regarded as one of the greatest drivers of all time, with a record-breaking 103 wins and seven titles to his name.

Russell is seen as one of the brightest talents of his generation, having won titles in GP3 and Formula 2 before graduating to F1.

Wolff said that he was pleased to secure both drivers for the long term, and praised their talent and character.

“Lewis is one of the most successful drivers in history - not only in terms of his achievements on track but also in terms of his impact off it,” he said. "He is an inspiration to millions of people around the world and a leader within our team.

“George is one of the brightest stars of the future - not only in terms of his speed and skill but also in terms of his personality and values.

He has proven himself as a racer and a team player, and we are excited to see him grow further with us.”

The 2023 Italian GP will be the first race for Hamilton and Russell as confirmed Mercedes drivers for the next two years.