Hamilton signs new two-year Mercedes F1 deal through 2020
Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes have ended speculation over the champion’s future with a contract extension that keeps him at Brackley until the end of the 2020 season.
Lewis Hamilton has put an end to months of speculation by signing a two-year contract extension with Mercedes, securing his place at the team until the end of the 2020 Formula 1 season. The announcement comes ahead of the German Grand Prix, confirming that the reigning world champion will continue with the Silver Arrows for what will be his seventh and eighth seasons as a works Mercedes driver.
Hamilton, now 33, has been a fixture at Mercedes since 2013, taking four world championships and 44 race wins with the team. The new contract cements his relationship with Mercedes, which stretches back two decades to his junior racing days. Both Hamilton and team principal Toto Wolff described the extension as a formality, with final documents signed earlier in the week.
The timing of the announcement ends persistent questions over Hamilton’s future, which had circulated throughout the 2018 season as rival teams, particularly Ferrari, increased pressure at the front of the grid. The deal means Mercedes retains its star driver as it continues to fight for both drivers’ and constructors’ titles.
A partnership built on success
Since joining Mercedes, Hamilton has helped deliver four consecutive drivers’ and constructors’ championships. The team’s management was keen to secure his services beyond 2018, and both sides have repeatedly stated their intention to continue the partnership. The new deal extends a period of dominance that began with the turbo-hybrid era in 2014 and has seen Mercedes take a leading position in Formula 1.
Hamilton’s statement emphasised his satisfaction with the team environment and his belief that Mercedes remains the best place to challenge for further titles. He highlighted the unity within the team, from board level at Daimler to the engineers and staff at Brackley and Brixworth. The sense of mutual ambition was echoed by Wolff, who praised Hamilton’s drive and loyalty.
What the deal means for Mercedes and F1
For Mercedes, the extension removes any uncertainty at the top of its driver line-up as the team continues to face increased competition from Ferrari and Red Bull. Keeping Hamilton secures not only race-winning pace but also continuity in car development and team leadership. For Hamilton, the decision keeps him in a car capable of challenging for further records, including Michael Schumacher’s tally of seven world titles and 91 Grand Prix victories.
- Hamilton joined Mercedes in 2013 after six seasons at McLaren
- He has won at least one Grand Prix every season since his F1 debut in 2007
- The new contract follows his previous long-term deal with McLaren, which ran until 2012
The contract extension also brings stability to the driver market, with one of the sport’s most sought-after seats now off the table until at least the end of 2020. It allows Mercedes to focus on its title campaigns without distraction and gives Hamilton the chance to further cement his place among Formula 1’s all-time greats.
