Image shows Formula 1 race car.

Aisha Sembhi

Lewis Hamilton and George Russell, both drivers for Mercedes, have committed to staying on the Formula One grid until 2025. The news follows months of speculation on Hamilton’s future and Russell’s position within the team. 

Rumours of 38-year-old Hamilton joining Ferrari at the expiry of his contract have dominated fan circles. However, a press release published today by Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One team cemented his future with the Brackley-based team. 

25-year-old Russell’s contract was also due to expire at the end of the current season. Both renewals secure the future of “Britcedes” on the Formula 1 grid for the next two years.

Team principal Toto Wolff has described the contract extensions as “straightforward.”

“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.”

Lewis Hamilton: Mercedes’ Finest

Hamilton’s contract extension lengthens his tenure with the team to thirteen years. The historic relationship began in 2013 and has overseen six World Drivers’ Championships (WDC) and eight World Constructors’ Championships (WCC), as well as 82 of his record 103 F1 wins. 

Hamilton previously raced with McLaren, securing one WDC — powered by a Mercedes engine. 

Fans of the British team will hope to see Hamilton claim one of the few Formula 1 records he does not hold outright. His hopes of a record-breaking eighth title were dashed during the final race of the 2021 season, which saw Verstappen secure the title under controversial safety car conditions. 

The following season saw Mercedes struggle to adapt to Formula 1’s regulation change, forcing Hamilton to the midfield. 2022 was the first season in Hamilton’s 15-year career he had not claimed a race victory. 

 

However, the Briton is “hungrier than ever” to return to the top step of the podium.

He said: “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 am grateful to the team who have supported me both on and off the track. Our story is not finished, we are determined to achieve more together and we will not stop until we do.” 

George Russell: New-ish Kid on the Block

Russell’s relationship with the team began in 2017 when the driver joined the Mercedes Junior Driver Programme. He was named a reserve driver for the 2018 season and was a regular tester for the team’s championship-winning cars. 

He got his first taste of Formula 1 racing with Williams, a team struggling to secure points. Russell’s “big break” came in 2020, when Hamilton, who had already secured the WDC late in the season, tested positive for Covid-19, and team principal Toto Wolff called on the then 22-year-old to stand in for Mercedes at the Sakhir Grand Prix.

A race marred by unfortunate events, including a pitstop error and a slow puncture, meant Russell finished in 9th. However, his performance was widely praised, and his promotion to Mercedes seemed inevitable. He was finally called up to the Brackley outfit in 2022, replacing Valtteri Bottas.

With Mercedes, he claimed his maiden Grand Prix victory in last year’s Sao Paulo Grand Prix. 

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.”

“Returning to the very front of the pack”

Like Hamilton, Russell has one goal — make Mercedes a race-winning team once more!

He said: “We have made some significant steps over the last 18 months and are only getting stronger as a team. I am excited to help continue to build on that momentum as we progress into 2024 and 2025 and as we continue to focus on returning to the very front of the pack.”

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Featured image courtesy of via Flickr. No changes have been made to this image. Image license found here.

Aisha is a BBC Journalism Researcher, covering news, politics, and pop culture (and, wherever possible, the blend between the three!).

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