George Russell reveals key reason behind his own Mercedes contract extension

Oliver Harden 31 Aug 2023 1:35 PM

George Russell smiles with Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff after agreeing an extension to his Mercedes contract.

George Russell has revealed he wants to “reward the trust and belief” Mercedes have shown in him after agreeing a new deal with the team until the end of 2025.

After months of intense speculation, Mercedes announced on Thursday that seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton will extend his stay with the team for a further two years, with Russell also staying put until the end of 2025.

PlanetF1.com6月透露,罗素将仍然是一个“长-term” member of the Mercedes familyafter a contract extension had been triggered, with Mercedes announcing the agreement in conjunction with Hamilton’s new deal ahead of this weekend’s Italian Grand Prix at Monza.

George Russell joins Lewis Hamilton in extending Mercedes stay

Russell, who claimed his first victory in Mercedes colours at last year’s Sao Paulo GP, 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.”

Toto Wolff, team boss and chief executive of the Mercedes F1 operation, said: “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.”

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Markus Schafer, Mercedes, non-executive chairman, added: “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 an incredible moment and demonstrated his immense talent. The strong relationship George and Lewis have has been excellent and provides a solid platform for the Team.

“We are excited to continue this journey with both drivers and look forward to sharing more success in the future. I know the whole team is motivated for the rest of the season and continuing to build momentum into 2024 and beyond.”