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Lewis Hamilton has his contract with Mercedes extended. The seven-time world champion was only tied up with the German racing stable for this season, but has now signed a new contract until the end of 2023. Mercedes will throw a video of Hamilton into the world on Saturday morning with the caption “He stays”.
Hamilton took his first world title in his second season in Formula 1 while he was still ahead McLaren was active and in the years of Mercedes dominance the Briton has become a living legend in the premier class of motorsport. He currently has seven world titles to his name and looks hungry for more championships. However, for some time there was uncertainty about his future. This season Hamilton was the last driver to be confirmed from the driver line-up. That was due to long and difficult negotiations with Mercedes about a new contract and in the end he also signed only for this season. Speculation about the future of the reigning world champion has been fueled, but early in the current season he expressed his intention to be active next year.
The decision is made
Hamilton is now reinforcing those words with a contract extension until the end of 2023, with which he will drive for another two years for Mercedes in Formula 1 after this season. “It’s hard to believe that we’ve been working with this incredible team for almost nine years and I’m excited to continue our partnership for another two years. We’ve accomplished so much together, but we still have a lot to accomplish, both on and off the track “I am incredibly proud and grateful for how Mercedes has supported me in my pursuit to improve diversity and equality in our sport. They have held themselves accountable and taken important steps in creating a more diverse team and a more inclusive environment,” the 36-year-old driver responds to his employer’s website.
Hamilton thanks Mercedes
With Hamilton’s contract extension, Mercedes is clarifying the future of the team’s superstar early in the season and the big man himself is happy with that confidence. “Thank you to all the dedicated and talented individuals at Mercedes, whose hard work makes it all possible, and to the Board of Directors for their continued confidence in me. We are entering a new era of automotive that will be challenging and exciting and I can’t wait to see what else we can achieve together,” said the current number two in the world championship.
No doubt at Wolff
Team boss Toto Wolff said there was no doubt about Hamilton’s contract extension, which has played a vital role in Mercedes’ success. “As we enter a new Formula 1 era from 2022, there can be no better driver in our team than Lewis. His achievements in this sport speak for themselves and with his experience, speed and racing prowess he is at the pinnacle of his ability. We enjoy the battle we have in our hands this year and that is why we also wanted to close this contract early so that we have no distractions on the track,” said Wolff, who says he has always been clear about Hamilton’s status. “I’ve always said that as long as Lewis still has the fire to race, he can go on as long as he wants.”
Who will be the second driver?
The big question still on the table is who will be Hamilton’s teammate at Mercedes next season. Also Valtteri Bottas currently has an expiring contract, but it is still far from certain that he too can stay with the team. In the corridors Williams-runner George Russell namely frequently mentioned as a new teammate of Hamilton. Mercedes may also quickly make a final choice in this regard.
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