Hamilton happy Wolff extends Mercedes stay

Formula One (F1) World Champion Lewis Hamilton said the new contract of Mercedes team principal, Toto Wolff, was good news ahead of next season.

Wolff and Hamilton were both out of contract this year, but the pair look likely to team up again next year with the British race car driver set to sign a new deal with Mercedes.

“On the super, super plus side, I am really proud and grateful to see Toto signing,” Hamilton said.

“He is such an important leading figure within this team, and the success we have achieved would have not been possible without him.

“He is such a great figurehead and I think the team is just better for it, to have that prolonged longevity.

MERCEDES COMMITMENT

“It is great to see the commitment from Mercedes and the added bonus of having (petrochemical firm) INEOS, who came in this year and have been a part of our success this year.

“It is great to see they are going to be a part of this team and help with the stability of this team moving forward and growing to be better.”

Hamilton, 35, has won six of his record-equalling seven world titles with Mercedes, having driven for them over the past eight seasons.

He is now the most successful F1 driver, having won 95 Grand Prix races, 74 for Mercedes.

“It is going to take a big push for us to continue to raise the bar in this organisation because I think we have done such a great job over the past years, but I think the right people are in the right place and the future looks bright for this team,” Hamilton said.