Lewis Hamilton Renews Mercedes Contract Despite Winless Streak
Despite a two-year winless streak, Lewis Hamilton has committed to extending his contract with Mercedes, putting to rest any doubts about his future with the team. Hamilton’s time with Mercedes has been historic, marked by numerous World Championships and record-breaking wins. However, his success has encountered a challenging period with no victories since 2021.
Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff dismisses concerns about Hamilton’s performance, emphasizing the driver’s unmatched skill and the pivotal role of having a competitive car. “There is a reason why Lewis has broken all records and won seven world titles; because his level is higher than others. If we give him a good car, one he trusts, then he can get back to the front. There is no doubt about that,” stated Wolff.
In the 2023 season, Hamilton secured third place in the championship standings, an improvement from his sixth-place finish in 2022. With an upgraded W15 set to debut this season, there is optimism that Hamilton could return to the winner’s circle after a prolonged drought since the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in 2021.
Hamilton’s commitment to Mercedes comes amid reflections on his career, where he briefly considered retirement. The seven-time world champion acknowledged the challenges of being under constant scrutiny but affirmed his determination to overcome obstacles and return to the pinnacle of the sport.
“You’re being scrutinized all the time and I’m in a place in my life where there’s no way I can win. If I win a race, it’s: ‘Oh, he’s a seven-time world champion, you got 103 wins’. If I don’t do well, it’s… I can only lose at this point in life. So for sure there was a period of time when I was questioning whether I wanted to go through that,” shared Hamilton.
Hamilton’s decision to renew his contract positions him for the 2025 season, showcasing his resilience and commitment to overcoming challenges in pursuit of further success in Formula 1.
