Lewis Hamilton will remain with Mercedes until at least 2023 after signing a new two-year deal with the seven-time Formula One Champions.
Hamilton, 36, is a seven-time Formula One Champion and is hopeful of breaking the record he currently shares with Michael Schumacher this season.
Next season the series moves into the new technical era and the pecking order of teams is very unclear. His current team Mercedes have been the benchmark since the last major technical rule change in 2014, but are under pressure from Red Bull this season.
The Stevenage-born driver currently sits second in the driver standings behind Red Bull’s Max Verstappen and has picked up victories in Bahrain, Portugal and Spain.
Hamilton spoke of his excitement for the future, “It is hard to believe it’s been nearly nine years working with this incredible team and I’m excited we’re going to continue our partnership for two more years. We’ve accomplished so much together but we still have a lot to achieve, both on and off the track. I’m incredibly proud and grateful of how Mercedes has supported me in my drive to improve diversity and equality in our sport. They have held themselves accountable and made important strides in creating a more diverse team and inclusive environment. Thank you to all the dedicated and talented individuals at Mercedes whose hard work makes it all possible and the Board for their continued trust in me. We’re entering a new era of car which will be challenging and exciting and I can’t wait to see what else we can achieve together.”
Toto Wolff, CEO and Team Principal said Hamilton can continue as long as he wants, “As we enter a new era of F1 from 2022 onwards, there can be no better driver to have in our team than Lewis. His achievements in this sport speak for themselves, and with his experience, speed and race-craft, he is at the peak of his powers. We are relishing the battle we have on our hands this year – and that’s why we also wanted to agree this contract early, so we have no distractions from the competition on track. I have always said that as long as Lewis still possesses the fire for racing, he can continue as long as he wants.”
Markus Schäfer, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG, responsible for Group Research, Mercedes-Benz Cars Chief Operating Officer and Non-Executive Chairman said “As we enter a new era of F1 from 2022 onwards, there can be no better driver to have in our team than Lewis. His achievements in this sport speak for themselves, and with his experience, speed and race-craft, he is at the peak of his powers. We are relishing the battle we have on our hands this year – and that’s why we also wanted to agree this contract early, so we have no distractions from the competition on track. I have always said that as long as Lewis still possesses the fire for racing, he can continue as long as he wants.”
