Hamilton deal "fantastic news for F1" - Domenicali

Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has hailed the announcement of Lewis Hamilton's Mercedes contract extension as "fantastic" for the sport.

Hamilton is statistically the greatest F1 driver of all time holding records for the most wins, poles and podiums as well as tying with Michael Schumacher for the most drivers' championship titles.

The Mercedes driver's social media presence highlights his importance to the sport with his Twitter following alone, 6.4million, half a million greater than that of the official F1 account.

“This is fantastic news for Formula 1 and I am delighted that Lewis will stay In F1 for at least another two years," said Domenicali.

“What he has achieved in this sport is incredible and I know he has more to come. He is a global superstar on and off the race track and his positive impact on Formula 1 is huge.”

Williams driver and Mercedes junior George Russell has been consistently linked with a move to the Silver Arrows for next year in place of Valtteri Bottas and the 23-year-old was quick to add his congratulations to Hamilton, labelling him the greatest of all time.

The 🐐 Great news for Mercedes and for F1. Congrats man! 👊 https://t.co/gKpIAOajw1

— George Russell (@GeorgeRussell63) July 3, 2021

Hamilton "not only a very talented driver"

In the past year especially, Hamilton's off-track battles have been discussed just as much as those on the track.

His vocal backing of 'Black Lives Matter' and other equality movements has inspired F1 and the wider motorsport community to create change.

Aside from Mercedes' black paintwork, the most visible example of this on a race weekend is the #WeRaceAsOne message promoted ahead of each grand prix.

Mercedes-Benz Cars Chief Operating Officer and Non-Executive Chairman of the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team, Markus Schäfer, added: "I am very pleased that Lewis Hamilton will continue to race for the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team in the upcoming next two F1 seasons.

"Lewis' ambition and commitment for winning, always striving for improvement, have played an essential role for our team and brand to become as successful as we are today.

"And he is not only a very talented driver, but also a socially engaged and caring person who wants to make an impact in society. Together, we are dedicated to continuing our joint success in the future."

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