PADDOCK INSIDER: Why Mercedes opted to stick with Lewis Hamilton and George Russell

Just a few hours into Italian Grand Prix media day, in rival Ferrari’s backyard, Mercedes dropped the news the Formula 1 paddock has long been expecting – Lewis Hamilton has signed a new deal to race on with the team beyond the end of the season – and that his team mate George Russell would be sticking around too.

F1 Correspondent Lawrence Barretto explains why the Silver Arrows opted to stick rather than twist.

READ MORE: Hamilton signs new two-year Mercedes deal to end speculation over F1 future