Lewis Hamilton and George Russell sign new Mercedes contracts

Seven-time Formula 1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton has signed a long-awaited contract with Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team, which will see him race with the Brackley outfit until the end of 2025. 

Teammate George Russell, meanwhile, has also confirmed his future in the sport with a similar two-year deal. 

Mercedes’ all-British line-up has made the team a firm favourite with the trackside fans at Silverstone - as highlighted by the record crowds at the 2023 British Grand Prix - and that popularity looks set to grow in 2024 and 2025. 

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Speculation finally ends for HamiltonThe rumour mill has been bubbling away for some time over Hamilton’s future, with the most successful F1 driver in history being linked to a Ferrari seat as recently as the beginning of August. 

All that speculation has now been cast aside with the announcement of a fresh deal that will see Hamilton in his 12th and 13th years with the team, as well as reaching his 40th birthday. 

Team Principal Toto Wolff has made his intentions clear about retaining Hamilton of late, citing the controversial Abu Dhabi 2021 title decider as the score they are still to settle in the quest for that elusive eighth world title. 

READ MORE: Top five Silverstone moments: Lewis Hamilton

Russell completes the line-upLikewise, George Russell has had his spot in the team confirmed for the coming seasons after impressing Mercedes, and indeed the entire paddock with his performances in recent years. 

Having initially joined the team for the 2022 and 2023 seasons, Russell and the team have celebrated several significant milestones, most notably his first victory at the 2022 Brazilian Grand Prix and his first pole position at the Hungarian Grand Prix that same year.

READ MORE: Top nine very British team radio moments: George Russell

Lewis Hamilton said: “We dream everyday of being the best and we have dedicated the past decade together to achieving that goal. 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."

George Russell continued: “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 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.”

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