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Mercedes-AMG F1 Team extends driver line-up through 2025
The Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team is delighted to announce that Lewis Hamilton and George Russell will continue to lead its driver line-up for the next two seasons. The duo has been paired together since the start of the 2022 season, and each driver continues long-standing relationships with the Team.
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Lewis will drive for the Team in the 2024 and 2025 seasons and continue a historic relationship that has secured six World Drivers’ Championships and eight World Constructors’ Championships. Since joining the works team, Lewis has taken 82 victories and 78 pole positions to become the most successful driver in the sport’s history. The extension ensures the continuation of the most successful Team and driver pairing in Formula One history into at least a 13th year.
George has extended a relationship from 2017 until the end of the 2025 season. The then 18-year-old joined the Team’s Junior programme before rising through the ranks to F1. After starring at Williams, he was promoted to partner Lewis Hamilton in 2022 and claimed his maiden Grand Prix victory in last year’s São Paulo Grand Prix.
Lewis Hamilton commented:
We dream every day of being the best and have dedicated the past decade to achieving that goal. Being at the top does not happen overnight or over a short period; 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 on and off the track. Our story is still ongoing; we are determined to achieve more together and will only stop once we do.
George Russell commented:
I have grown up with this Team ever since joining as part of the Junior programme in 2017. It’s my home, and extending our special relationship through 2025 feels fantastic.
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 unforgettable. More importantly, though, it’s been great to work with everybody at Brackley and Brixworth to make progress with our car and push forward our development. Their loyalty, vision and hard work are inspiring.
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We have made some significant steps over the last 18 months and are only strengthening as a team. I’m excited to help build on that momentum as we progress into 2024 and 2025 as we continue to focus on returning to the front of the pack.
Toto Wolff, CEO and Team Principal, continued on the driver line-up:
Continuing with our current driver line-up was a straightforward decision. We have the most potent 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 essential building blocks for our future success.
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 confirm that publicly. His remarkable track record illustrates his qualities as a pure racing driver, but over our years together, he has grown to become a pillar and leader of our Team. Those leadership qualities are crucial as we fight for world championships again. As F1’s most prominent global star, he has also played a key role in shaping our commitments to diversity, inclusion and sustainability, which will be foundations for our success in the years ahead.
George is the leading light of his generation. He has repaid the faith we showed in him when we promoted him to a race seat in 2022. His maiden pole position in Hungary and first Grand Prix victory in São Paulo were standout moments last season. As a driver, he combines razor-sharp speed with the tenacity of a true fighter. But he also brings an intelligence and attention to detail that will help him continue to grow, develop and improve further. He is a natural fit for the Team, and we are delighted to have extended the relationship for the coming years.
Markus Schäfer, Non-Executive Chairman & Mercedes-Benz AG CTO, added:
Lewis has forged a relationship with Mercedes-Benz from the start of his career. In that time, he has claimed seven World Drivers’ Championships, 103 race wins, 195 podium finishes and 104 pole positions. His ambition and commitment to winning are second to none. His boundless positivity and passion for pushing himself and the Team forward are a constant source of pride and inspiration for everyone connected to the Team and the wider Mercedes-Benz group.
George has also been an integral member of the Mercedes-Benz family since 2017. After joining the Team’s Junior programme, he has continued to grow and excel year after year. Watching him take his first Grand Prix victory was incredible and demonstrated his immense talent. George and Lewis’s strong relationship has been excellent and provides a solid platform for the Team.
We are excited to continue this journey with a current driver line-up and look forward to sharing more success in the future. The whole Team is motivated for the rest of the season and continuing to build momentum into 2024 and beyond.
The post Mercedes-AMG F1 Team extends driver line-up through 2025 appeared first on Paddock Magazine.
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