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What does this mean for the driver market?
With the news of Hamilton's contract extension, what does this mean for the rest of the field? Well, the most pressing impact this has is on those drivers that are potentially vying for a Mercedes seat in the future. Namely current Mercedes driver Valtteri Bottas, who is likely feeling more secure now that Mercedes have announced they will already be keeping one driver the same, a driver whom he seems to work particularly well with.
It also means that there is less opportunity for other Mercedes seat hungry drivers such as Esteban Ocon, who is currently racing for Force India, and will likely remain at the Indian outfit for another season. It also reduces the probability that Daniel Ricciardo will be moving to Mercedes either as that's one seat gone, and another likely going to F1's younger Finnish driver.
Overall, this is a good sign for both Mercedes & Hamilton as they have a long, Championship winning partnership to build on for the next two and a half seasons!
