Lewis Hamilton extends Formula 1 career to 2025

LONDON (UPI) — Seven-time Formula 1 champion Lewis Hamilton extended his Formula 1 career through at least 2025 by signing a multi-year deal with Mercedes, the racing team announced Thursday.

Hamilton’s contract had been set to expire at the end of 2023, prompting speculation that he could change teams. George Russell, Hamilton’s Mercedes teammate, also agreed to a contract extension until 2025.

“Our story isn’t finished,” Hamilton wrote Thursday on Instagram.

Hamilton’s 103 career victories are the most in Formula 1 history. He won his first title in 2008. He then claimed crowns in six of seven seasons from 2014 through 2020.

Hamilton, who earned four Top 3 finishes through 13 races this season, sits at No. 4 in the 2023 Formula 1 standings. He finished No. 6 last season and No. 2 in 2021.

Russell, who finished fourth last season, is the No. 7 driver in the 2023 standings.

“We dream every day of being the best and we have dedicated the past decade together to achieving that goal,” Hamilton said in a news release.

“Being at the top does not happen overnight or over a short period of time, it takes commitment, hard work, and dedication, and it’s been an honor to earn our way into the history books with this incredible team.

“We have never been hungrier to win. We have learned 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.”

The Formula 1 team will continue with the Italian Grand Prix on Sunday in Milan.