Mercedes' head of motorsport Toto Wolff says a new deal for Lewis Hamilton was crucial to ensure the team can continue to be successful.
Hamilton's new three-year contract was confirmed on Wednesday in Monaco following months of negotiations, with the reigning world champion committing himself to the team until 2018. Wolff says it was important Mercedes retained the driver line-up which had been so successful last season - with Hamilton and team-mate Nico Rosberg winning 16 of 19 races - and hints Mercedes has increased Hamilton's wage to retain him.
"Continuity is one of the key factors for delivering success in Formula One and we now have that in place," Wolff said. "Lewis enjoyed an historic World Championship season with Mercedes-Benz last year and it was a priority for this season to renew his contract for the next term.
"We have taken the right amount of time with the process and not rushed ourselves. The result is a strong agreement that will enhance Lewis' association with the Mercedes-Benz brand, and that recognises and respects the market value of Lewis and of Mercedes in Formula One."
And Wolff says Hamilton's presence within the team has been positive for Mercedes-Benz as a whole.
"Lewis' sporting track record speaks for itself and he is a great personality for the company. Personally, I am looking forward to continuing to race with the strongest driver pairing in Formula One and to more historic achievements together."
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