Hamilton and Russell Mercedes deals "a weight off our shoulders" - Wolff

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff believes it to be "a weight off our shoulders" the fact his line-up for next season has already been finalised.

In early July, Lewis Hamilton signed a two-year extension with the team that will take him through to the end of 2023.

After lengthy speculation since then as to who would be his team-mate, on Tuesday, Mercedes confirmed George Russell had been signed on "a long-term contract".

In light of what unfolded last season, when negotiations with Hamilton dragged on into the early part of this year for a variety of reasons, Wolff is a relieved man, and happy to finally give Russell his chance after three years with Williams.

"He has been a winner in every racing category, and the past three seasons with Williams have given us a taste of what the future could hold for him in F1," said Wolff.

"Now, it is our challenge together to help him continue learning within our environment and alongside Lewis, the greatest F1 driver of all time.

"I am confident that as their relationship grows, they will form a strong team and deliver for Mercedes on and off the track in the years ahead.

"It's a weight off our shoulders to have our plans for 2022 clear and announced but now our focus returns to the final nine races of this season and putting everything into our challenge for this year's world championships."

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