Lewis Hamilton has finally committed his future to Mercedes after months of speculation. The seven-time World Champion has signed a new deal to extend his stay in F1 with the Silver Arrows until at least the end of 2025 having overcome rumours of a move to Ferrari and retirement over the past 12 months. RacingNews365.com highlights why a continuation of what is statistically the most dominant partnership in F1 history was a no-brainer.
Mercedes for life
Hamilton has made no secret of wishing to stay with Mercedes in the public eye. Last year, he suggested he was seeking a new deal with the team and revealed he felt comfortable racing on into his 40s. This year, he has insisted he has no plans to move on from the German manufacturer, comments that align with previous desires to stay with the team for life - following the example of Sir Stirling Moss who remained a Mercedes-affiliated driver even after retirement. But results have fallen off for the team since the introduction of F1's newest technical regulations. George Russell secured the team's only win in 2022 and with Red Bull dominant so far this season, Hamilton's winless streak stretches back to the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix - the penultimate race in 2021. The upgrade package added to the W14 in Monaco has proved Mercedes is working in the right direction back towards the top, however, and Hamilton has been glowing about the hard work behind the scenes, both in Brackley and at High Performance Powertrains in Brixworth. He has been a part of this challenge and the efforts to escape from the hole Mercedes has found itself in. If victories and a championship fight come next season or the year after, it could be the most rewarding success of his glittering career.
Off track activities
Away from the track, it cannot be forgotten that Mercedes has supported Hamilton as well as it has on track. The team's mission to increase inclusivity and diversity - taking a stand with its driver - is reflected in its Ignite and Accelerate 25 initiatives as well as the fact the Silver Arrows currently race in a predominantly black livery. The weight that camaraderie, support and family feeling will give to Hamilton would have been heavy enough to warn off any hints of a departure. Since beginning his quest for equality within F1 and wider society in 2020, Hamilton has cemented his place as one of the most important and influential drivers in the sport's history and his team's assistance in his drive has kickstarted a trend. Teams up and down the grid now support equality initiatives, such as running with rainbow stripes during Pride Month - breaking down barriers that F1 had before turned away from. A move to Ferrari, for example, would not have guaranteed the same support provided by Mercedes.
There was no need for the Silver Arrows to divorce
Match made in heaven
It has been well documented by both parties that Team Principal Toto Wolff and Hamilton share a friendship extending beyond a professional relationship. This would have been crucial in the negotiating process with both sides knowing exactly how to appease the other. Across a period of over a decade, Wolff has figured out how Hamilton ticks over. The Briton's extra-curricular activities - such as his film producing and fashion show-attending lifestyle - may be frowned upon in other environments, yet he has been granted free license to do as he pleases whether it is in a race week or not. But ultimately it is on-track performances that would have forced Mercedes' hand. Despite having no victories to show for his efforts, Hamilton is driving at the top of his game. His relationship with George Russell - who has also put pen to paper - is more akin to his partnership with Valtteri Bottas rather than the tumultuous era alongside Nico Rosberg, so there was no need for the Silver Arrows to divorce. In many ways, the collaboration is a match made in heaven.
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