Hamilton’s contract extension by two years will contest his 10th and 11th seasons with the Brackley-based team and enter the new era of Formula 1 from 2022.
The seven-time world champion made it clear that he would like to stay with Mercedes in Formula 1 and hoped to sign a new contract before the summer in order to avoid repeating the lengthy contract negotiations of last year.
After some delays, the contract talks between Hamilton and Mercedes extended over the winter to this year, before the Briton agreed a one-year extension for the 2021 season in February.
Hamilton has achieved 77 race wins and 74 pole positions at Mercedes since moving from McLaren in 2013 and is aiming for a record-breaking eighth world title this year.
On the subject of matching items
“It’s hard to believe we’ve been working with this incredible team for almost nine years and I’m delighted that we will continue our partnership for two more years,” said Hamilton.
“We have achieved so much together, but we still have a lot to achieve, both on and off the track. I am incredibly proud and grateful for the way Mercedes has supported me in my striving for more diversity and equality in our sport.
On the subject of matching items
“You have held yourself accountable and taken important steps to create a more diverse team and a more inclusive environment. Many thanks to all of the dedicated and talented people at Mercedes, whose hard work makes this all possible, and to the Board of Management for their continued trust in me.
“We are entering a new era of automobiles that will be challenging and exciting, and I’m excited to see what else we can achieve together.”
Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff said there was no better driver than Hamilton, who would join the Formula 1 rule revolution in 2022, and stated that both parties were interested in completing an extension quickly in order to prepare for their title fight with Red Bull focus.
“As we enter a new era of Formula 1 from 2022, there is no better driver on our team than Lewis,” he said.
“His achievements in this sport speak for themselves and with his experience, speed and racing skills he is at the peak of his abilities.
“We’re enjoying the fight we’re having this year and that’s why we wanted to get this deal early too so we weren’t distracted from the competition on the track.
“I’ve always said that while Lewis still has a passion for racing, he can go on as long as he wants.”
Attention will now turn to who Hamilton will work with at Mercedes, with Wolff weighing whether to keep Valtteri Bottas or replace the Finn with current Williams driver George Russell.
The post Lewis Hamilton signs a new two-year Formula 1 contract with Mercedes first appeared on monter-une-startup.
