Lewis Is Here To Stay | A New Contract With Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team (2023)
Lately, there have been rumors spread across the F1 community about Lewis Hamilton’s new contract, which I have covered in detail in my previous story;
Ferrari or Mercedes | A Choice That Will Affect The Future of Lewis Hamilton in F1
So, check it out to understand better how this new contract became really crucial for Mercedes.
With that being said, let's see how Mercedes was able to sign its best driver line-up in Formula 1 consisting of Global Superstar “Lewis Hamilton” and the leading light of the upcoming generation of F1 drivers “George Russell” for the future.
Delay in Signing of Contract
Lewis Hamilton’s contract finished at the end of the 2022 F1 season and since then, it has been anticipated that with the 2023 F1 season, Lewis would sign a new contract with Mercedes.
As the season began questions about Lewis’s new contract were popping up from everywhere from F1 fans to F1 pundits and everybody was thinking what would happen if Mercedes weren't able to sign Lewis? Or what happen if Lewis decided to leave the team?…
As fans & F1 pundits were speculating about this delay of Lewis’s contract, a major reason came out from Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 team’s Paddock in the Bahrain GP weekend that the reason behind the delay in the contract is that;
“Lewis Hamilton gave his team an ultimatum that if they didn’t listen to his suggestion related to the car or until they didn’t provide him a faster car till then he won't sign anything”
This spread like fire and everyone started questioning the credibility of Mercedes in terms of understanding their car concept or in terms of going in the right direction with their car design.
This built a huge pressure on the team and everyone on the team began asking each other how to fix this car or how to bring more performance to the car, as the team was struggling to understand or comprehend their design package of W14.
Toto Wolff pulled James Allesion back from Eneos to Mercedes as a reinforcement measure because James Allison was the man who designed the cars that won multiple championships not only in Mercedes but also in his tenure in Ferrari.
So, with James Allison getting back they started to work on their current design and kept learning & testing their new concepts & ideas throughout this season by bringing upgrades to their car.
However, after the Bahrain GP, one thing was clear, Mercedes had to put some work into making their car fast & reliable. But as the season progressed more news came out of Mercedes paddock when a question about Lewis’s contract was asked by Toto;
There are little things related to sponsorships, marketing & legal aspects that lawyers are going through due to which the contract is delayed
Two-Year Contract & A Long-Term Plan
So, after gaining through every intricate detail & long discussion between Toto & Lewis, they finally came to an agreement and Lewis signed a new Two-year contract for £100 million ($196 million) in total and £50 Million each year.
This new contract succeded above the deal that Max Verstappen signed with RedBulls for $55.3 million (£40 million) per year for the 6-year contract from 2022 till 2028.
Which made Lewis Hamilton highest highest-paid F1 driver of this generation.
However, he is planning to continue this contract and stay with his team (Mercedes) for a longer period of the team as he said in an interview;
“This team Supported me since I was 13 and since then I have achieved so much, we won many World Championship Titles and made many records and now I am planning my new contract after 2025 with this team as I want to stay with this team for a while
Also, 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 because we have some un-finished business to do”
As Lewis Hamilton signed a new contract with Mercedes at the same time Geroge Russell the rising star also signed a contract with Mercedes till 2025 and 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. Taking my first pole position and race win last year was an unforgettable feeling. 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 is inspiring.
We have made some significant steps over the last 18 months and are only getting stronger as a team. I’m excited to help continue to build on that momentum as we progress into 2024 and 2025 as we continue to focus on returning to the very front of the pack.”
So, after securing both of the drivers Toto Wolff said in an interview;
“Continuing with our current driver line-up was a straightforward decision. We have the strongest 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 key 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 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.
George is a leading light of his generation. He has repaid the faith we showed in him when promoting 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 brings, too, an intelligence and attention to detail that will help him to continue to grow, develop and improve further. He is a natural fit to the team and we are delighted to have extended the relationship for the coming years.”
So, that’s how the long-awaited journey of a new contract between Lewis Hamilton, George Russel & Mercedes ends and we hope to see them back on the top winning podium as Lewis Hamilton is ambitious to work on a masterpiece that will make history in the upcoming future with help of George, Toto & his team to make this dream come true as soon as possible.
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While you are at it check out the following stories, if you are completely new to the Formula 1 world or if you are curious to more about the World of Formula 1;
👉 Formula 1 | A Guide For Beginner’s | Rules, Cars, Teams, Drivers & Point System
👉 FORMULA 1 WORLD | The Most Prestigious Motorsport In The World
👉 Formula 1 | Story of Flags You Should Know
👉 Formula 1 | Story & History of Tyers
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