George Russell Anoints Lewis Hamilton F1 GOAT in Heartwarming Congratulatory Message

Moments before the third practice session in Austria, Mercedes broke the news that Lewis Hamilton will drive with them for another two years. The contract extension totals eleven years that the British driver has spent with the team. 

The drivers on the grid took to social media to congratulate the 7-time world champion. This included George Russell, who hailed Hamilton as the GOAT. “Great news for Mercedes and for F1.”

Two more years.

We’re delighted to confirm that @LewisHamilton has signed a contract extension that will keep him with the Team until at least 2023!

— Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@MercedesAMGF1) July 3, 2021

The deal may not have come as a surprise to many. Mercedes is the team for Hamilton, and he is hungry for more. But with the talk of contracts and/ or extensions at Mercedes, the spotlight may soon fall on the second seat.

Lewis Hamilton’s teammate: The unanswered question.

While Hamilton’s current teammate Valtteri Bottas congratulated him on Twitter, a quick scroll through the comments only reflects what’s going through everyone’s minds: will we see Bottas next season? He has been a more than great teammate for Hamilton and he has also played a crucial role as the second driver. Speculations about his future with the team have been heard within the community. 

The whisper on the street has been about George Russell. Many believe that he will get his big break with Mercedes next year. This can be credited to his outstanding performance as a stand-in for Hamilton in Sakhir last season.  

Read Also: Toto Wolff Explains Reason for Hamilton Mammoth TWO-YEAR Contract

If Mercedes is looking to go long-term, it would make sense for them to sign Russel. Because in the next two years while Hamilton holds down the team, Russell can get initiated into it. It’s also important to note that his contract with Williams terminates this year. 

Formula One F1 – Spanish Grand Prix – Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain – May 8, 2021 Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton celebrates after qualifying in pole position with Mercedes’ Valtteri Bottas who finished in third position REUTERS/Emilio Morenatti

Looking at Bottas, he has been having his worst season this year. He is currently fifth on the leaderboard, behind McLaren’s Lando Norris. But it’s hard not to feel for Valtteri. He has been robbed of positions this season- problems with strategy and pit stop came in the way. However, he has always brushed himself off and tried to come back stronger every weekend. Through no fault of his own, he’s just not as good as Lewis- few are. 

That being said, Toto Wolff is not a man of the heart. The team principal is sure to make a decision that is well thought of and practical. Now, with car number 44 confirmed, it’s only a matter of time before we find out who fills in another one of the Silver Arrows.

Watch story: Lewis Hamilton’s Incredible Car Collection

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