Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes have penned a new deal for the 2024 and 2025 F1 seasons. This extends Hamilton’s residence at the Brackley-based team to a grand total of 13 years, where he secured six of his record-breaking seven world championships.
Although Hamilton had hinted at the prospect of remaining in Formula 1 for an extended period, both sides ultimately agreed on a two-year renewal. Team Principal Toto Wolff clarified that the shorter contract length offers a level of flexibility for both Hamilton and the team, negating the need for any intricate exit clauses.
This two-year framework comes at a pivotal time for F1, which is set to undergo a major regulatory change in 2026. This offers Hamilton a chance to first evaluate Mercedes’ competitiveness under the new rules, particularly concerning the team’s next-gen car and power unit, before deciding whether to re-up with the Silver Arrows.
Speaking to Sky Sports F1, Wolff revealed, “We didn’t even flirt with the idea of escape clauses. We both look at this as a two-year window into our collective future, and that’s the commitment we’re making to one another.”
The team principal also shared his outlook that Hamilton will most likely stick with Mercedes not only for the remainder of his racing career but also in some other capacity once he hangs up his helmet. “I fully expect Lewis to continue being an integral part of the team, even after he’s done racing. Frankly, I can’t envision him racing for another outfit. He’ll always be a legendary figure, both in and outside the sport. So, our paths are likely intertwined well beyond the racetrack,” Wolff added.
In related news, Mercedes has also inked a fresh contract with George Russell, keeping him on board through the end of 2025. This means both of the team’s drivers will be uncommitted right when the crucial 2026 rule changes roll around.
Yet, Wolff isn’t sweating over the possibility of losing either driver at this significant junction. His philosophy is simple: if Mercedes builds a fast car, top-tier drivers will want to be in the cockpit. “It’s pretty straightforward: a fast car needs a fast driver and vice versa,” he said. “A renowned football coach once told me: ‘If a good player wants to leave, you don’t stand in his way.’ The same goes for us; if either the team or the driver wants to part ways, then it’s time to part ways.”
So there you have it, sports fans. Contracts, crunch time, and colossal rule changes. Strap yourselves in; the next few years in F1 promise to be one heck of a ride!
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8 comments
Hamilton and Toto are playing 4D chess here, you can tell. 2026 rule changes are a big question mark, better to keep the options open, am I right?
Wow, Hamilton sticking with Merc for 2 more years! If you ask me, Toto and Lewis are the ultimate dynamic duo in F1 right now. They’re like Batman and Alfred but with way faster cars lol.
kinda surprised they didn’t go for a longer deal but makes sense with all the rule changes comin’ up. Hope Hamilton gets to 10 titles with em, that would be sick.
They shoulda had some crazy clauses in the contract just for fun. Like Hamilton has to DJ at all the Mercedes parties or something haha. Woulda been epic.
George Russell, the unsung hero. Looks like he’s part of the 2026 master plan too. Can’t wait to see these two as teammates.
Two years may seem short, but in F1 thats like a lifetime. Anything can happen, engines blow, drivers change, and the paddock drama never stops. So yeah, smart move.
Loving Toto’s philosophy, it’s like straight out of a sports movie. “If a good player wants to go, let him go” man, I wanna see this whole thing turn into a Netflix docu-series!
you know what they say, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” Hamilton and Mercedes are like PB&J. Perfect together, why mess that up.