Wolff proud after news: 'Hamilton and Russell best driver pair on the grid'

F1 News

Wolff proud after news: 'Hamilton and Russell best driver pair on the grid'
31 August 2023 at 13:21
Last update 31 August 2023 at 13:34
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  • Toby McLuskie

It had been in the air for a while, but the confirming news has now come out: Lewis Hamilton has extended his contract at Mercedes. He is not the only one, as teammate George Russell has now also signed a new contract. Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff and Mercedes CTO Markus Schäfer are enthusiastic. The former also makes another striking statement.

Wolff is enthusiastic about the current driver combination: "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," he says.

Schäfer like Wolff enthusiastic about extensions Russell and Hamilton

For Schäfer, Hamilton is a great role model within the Mercedes company: "His ambition and commitment to winning are second to none. His boundless positivity and passion to push 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."

Rumours had previously circulated that Hamilton would be heading to Ferrari, but if it were up to Wolff, there never would have been. "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," the Austrian told us.