UK: 18+ USA: 21+ | Begambleaware.org | T&Cs apply | Play Responsibly
Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes have announced that their hugely successful partnership will continue for at least two more years, as the seven-time World Champion will remain in the team. George Russell will remain his teammate, as he has been for the last two seasons.
Hamilton signs with Mercedes: The history of the partnership
Contents
Hamilton moved to Mercedes in 2013, in a move that shocked many. The Briton had been driving for McLaren up to that point, winning one World Championship with the team from Woking, which was viewed as the better team at that point.
It was a risk that paid dividends though, as Mercedes dominated the sport from 2014, when the turbo-hybrid engines were introduced. Hamilton claimed six of the seven championships that followed, only losing to Nico Rosberg -his teammate at the time- in 2016. He lost out in a close and controversial fight against Max Verstappen in 2021.
The past two seasons have been tough for the team, as it has struggled to return to the front, clearly lacking pace in comparison with Red Bull. Although Hamilton has added to his tally of 82 wins with the team since late 2021, this season he has proven he is still on top form, as he is competing for third in the championship and is clearly ahead of the other Mercedes of George Russell.
Lewis is here to stay. 🖤😍 pic.twitter.com/U6eBNcU8KT
— Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@MercedesAMGF1) August 31, 2023
Hamilton signs with Mercedes: His comments
The 38-year-old spoke about the extension of his contract in the team’s announcement, reiterating his hunger for a return to the top.
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.
Russell’s extension also confirmed
George Russell has also been confirmed as a driver for the team until 2025. The 25-year-old has been part of Mercedes since 2017, when he joined as the team’s junior driver programme. He was then promoted to the test and reserve driver role for 2018, while competing in Formula 2, where he was eventually crowned champion.
Mercedes and Toto Wolff helped Russell find a Formula 1 seat to gain experience and he was sent to Williams in 2019. Three impressive seasons followed, with Russell showing great speed throught his tenure at the team from Grove. In 2020, he competed in the Sakhir Grand Prix with Mercedes, replacing Hamilton who was unwell, and impressed again as he almost won the race.
In 2022, he replace Valtteri Bottas and joined the big team. He claimed eight podium finishes, including his maiden victory in the Sao Paulo Grand Prix. This season has not gone according to plan and Russell is down to seventh in the championship.
Subscribe to Punditfeed on Google News for all the latest updates from the world of sports!
