Lewis Hamilton signs a new Mercedes F1 contract until 2025

His current contract was set to run out at the end of 2023, but as he and the Mercedes team continue to chase that elusive eighth world championship that he believes he is owed, it seems the partnership is set to continue for at least another two years.

He first joined the team in 2013, and after a year of acclimatisation, the dawn of the new hybrid engine regulations saw Hamilton embark on an era of dominance as he won six world championships in seven years. That run was brought to an end in 2021 when Max Verstappen overtook him on the final lap of the final race of the year.

Hamilton’s current team-mate, George Russell, has also extended his current contract, and will now also be tied down as a Mercedes driver until at least the end of the 2025 season.

Russell graduated to the Mercedes team from Williams at the beginning of the 2022 season and has so far taken a single victory at that year’s Brazilian Grand Prix, as his arrival coincided with Mercedes’ distinct drop in form since the latest set of ground effect regulations were introduced.

Speaking ahead of this weekend’s Italian Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton said: “We dream every day 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."

Of the announcement, George Russell said: Russell said: "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.”

The announcement of Hamilton’s new contract silences the rumours that he might either leave the struggling Mercedes team, most likely for a drive at Ferrari, or walk away from the sport entirely. With this news, all of that talk can be put firmly to bed, as the seven-time champion continues his push to break Michael Schumacher’s record.

Images courtesy of Motorsport Images