Confirmed: Mercedes retains both Lewis Hamilton till 2020 and Valtteri Bottas till 2019

It was confirmed the last few days that Mercedes will retain both Current Formula 1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton through to the end of the 2020 Formula 1 season it was announced of Thursday (19/7/18) on the eve of the German Grand Prix alongside Valtteri Bottas for the 2019 F1 season, who was confirmed before pratice at the German Grand Prix on Friday (20/7/18), on a one year deal with an option for the 2020 F1 season as-well.





Hamilton's current Mercedes deal was set to expire at the end of the season and he had hinted that he was in no hurry to sort his future. But, Mercedes confirmed on Thursday that Hamilton has signed a new contract covering the next two seasons, that he will earn at least £30 million a year, rising to a maximum of £40 million, depending on bonuses.

Hamilton currently holds second place in the Drivers' standings, eight points behind Sebastian Vettel with eleven races to go. While, Bottas currently holds fifth place in the Drivers' standings, sixty-six points behind Sebastian Vettel with eleven races to go.

Overall, a very good decision from Mercedes to keep both Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas for next seasons. Although, I was surprise that Valtteri Bottas only got a one-year deal to Lewis Hamilton's two-year deal, which could give either Esteban Ocon or George Russell the opportunity for the seat for 2020.





Overall, the right choice for Mercedes going into 2019.