Mercedes extends George Russell’s contract amidst uncertainty over Lewis Hamilton’s future

Although not announced publicly yet, British driver George Russell is to continue with Mercedes until 2025. Despite an end date to the contract not being confirmed, Mercedes described it as ‘long-term.’ However, Lewis Hamilton’s contract with the Silver Arrows is still under negotiation. The Brit’s contract terminates at the end of the 2023 season.

George Russell joined the Brackley-based team at the start of 2022 after his 3-year stint with Williams. He replaced Valtteri Bottas, who made his move to Alfa Romeo. However, Russell’s contract with Mercedes did not have an end date, which is common when a new driver is appointed by a team.

Russell seems to be trusted more than his teammate Hamilton, who has been Mercedes’ number-one driver for a long time. Lewis Hamilton joined Mercedes in 2013 and has won 6 world titles, including a record-breaking 7^th world championship.

Although rumors of Hamilton joining Ferrari were denied by both parties, the Brit’s future with the German team is still unclear. Mercedes, after locking in Russell for 2025, very evidently are looking to secure the team’s future after Hamilton’s retirement. Many speculate that Russell’s stay until 2025 was confirmed in April, while others believe it was done in 2022.

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Can the newly upgraded Mercedes continue its upward form?

After an underwhelming start to the season, Mercedes finally dropped their zero-pod design ahead of the Monaco Grand Prix, in which they finished P4 and P5. However, at the Spanish Grand Prix, both Mercedes drivers finished on the podium giving the team their best result of the season so far.

After starting the race in P5 and P12, Lewis Hamilton and George Russell overtook Carlos Sainz’s Ferrari and avoided Sergio Perez, who finished in P4. Lewis Hamilton came home in 2nd place, clenching his second podium of the season, while his teammate finished 3^rd. Mercedes, after their brilliant performance at the Spanish GP are second in the constructors ’standings after jumping Aston Martin.

Lewis Hamilton, after the events of the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, was expected to again be in contention for the world championship in 2022. However, with Red Bull’s dominance and Mercedes’ lack of pace, the Brit’s dream seemed impossible. After a promising performance at the Spanish GP, who knows what the future holds for the Silver Arrows?

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