Lewis Hamilton Agrees Two-Year Extension to Mercedes Contract

Lewis Hamilton will remain with the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team until at least the end of the 2023 Formula 1 season after agreeing a new contract with the German outfit.

The seven-time World Champion has put pen-to-paper on a new deal that will see him race for Mercedes for eleven consecutive seasons, having joined the team ahead of the 2013 season.

Since joining the team, Hamilton has amassed six of his World Championship triumphs, as well as seventy-seven victories and seventy-four pole positions.  He is bidding this year to win an eighth title, which would break the record he currently shares with Michael Schumacher.

And Hamilton will now continue with Mercedes into the new era of Formula 1, which begins with a major aerodynamic overhaul in 2022.

“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,” said Hamilton.  “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.”

“His achievements in this sport speak for themselves” – Toto Wolff

Toto Wolff, the CEO and Team Principal at Mercedes, has welcomed the news that Hamilton will remain with the team for an additional two seasons.

Wolff says there is no better driver around to lead Mercedes into the new era of Formula 1, and getting the contract sorted out early will benefit both driver and team going forward.

He also says that as long as Hamilton remains motivated to race in Formula 1, he will always have a place within the Mercedes team.

“As we enter a new era of F1 from 2022 onwards, there can be no better driver to have in our team than Lewis,” said Wolff.  “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.”

With Hamilton confirmed, the only doubt within the team is over who will be his team-mate in 2022.  Valtteri Bottas is out of contract at the end of the season, while George Russell has been touted as their next big thing having spent three seasons showing what he can do with Williams Racing.

Lewis Hamilton will remain with Mercedes until at least the end of 2023 – Credit: LAT Images