Seven-time Formula 1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton is set to race on in Formula 1 into his 40s after signing a multi-year contract extension with Mercedes.
The deal between the parties was announced on Thursday ahead of Formula 1’s Italian Grand Prix at Monza.
The Hamilton/Mercedes partnership is already the longest (213 starts) and most accomplished in Formula 1 history. Hamilton, 38, joined Mercedes in 2013 after spending the first six seasons of his career at McLaren.
Hamilton has taken six of his seven world titles with Mercedes (2014/15, 2017-20) and 82 of his 103 victories have come behind the wheel of a Silver Arrow.
Hamilton will again partner George Russell, who signed a long-term deal with Mercedes in 2022. Hamilton’s deal on Thursday was confirmed to keep him in the Mercedes ride through 2025.
Hamilton’s current deal, which was signed in mid-2021, was due to expire at the end of 2023 but both driver and team regularly indicated that an extension was a formality, and that neither was looking elsewhere.
The Briton holds fourth position in this year’s world championship and has not won a Grand Prix since 2021, amid Mercedes falling behind the dominant Red Bull outfit, but has never indicated a desire to step away from racing in the near future.
“We dream everyday of being the best and we have dedicated the past decade together to achieving that goal,” said Hamilton. “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 honor 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.”
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff outlined that retaining the squad’s lineup “was a straightforward decision” and called Hamilton and Russell “the strongest pairing on the grid.”
“The strength and stability they provide will be key building blocks for our future success,” said Wolff.
“Our partnership with Lewis is one of the most successful in the sport’s history. It was always a formality that we would continue together – and it’s energising for us all to be confirming that publicly.
“His qualities as a pure racing driver are illustrated by his remarkable track record; but over our years together, he has grown to become a pillar and leader of our team. Those leadership qualities are crucial as we focus on fighting for world championships again.
“As F1’s biggest global star, he has also played a key role in shaping our commitments to diversity, inclusion and sustainability, that will be foundations for our success in the years ahead.”
Hamilton’s extension, and confirmation of Russell’s deal lasting through 2025, is the major piece of the puzzle in what is a relatively static silly season.
American Logan Sargeant is not yet confirmed to return to Williams in 2024.
Contracts of Others on the F1 Grid
World Champion Max Verstappen is contracted to Red Bull through 2028 meaning that he isn’t going anywhere else anytime soon.
Red Bull’s Sergio Perez, along with Ferrari pair Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz, as well as Alpine’s Esteban Ocon, are on contracts that run through the end of 2024.
Alpine’s Pierre Gasly, Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso and McLaren’s Oscar Piastri joined their respective teams for 2023 on a multi-year deals. Alonso’s teammate, Lance Stroll, is also safe given his connections to Aston Martin.
McLaren’s Lando Norris is contracted through 2025, Alfa Romeo driver Valtteri Bottas has a 2024 contract, while Williams’ Alexander Albon signed a multi-year deal in mid-2022. Haas, meanwhile, recently confirmed the retention of Nico Hulkenberg and Kevin Magnussen.
The only unconfirmed seats are at AlphaTauri, along with the second seats at Alfa Romeo and Williams, currently occupied by Zhou Guanyu and Logan Sargeant respectively.
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