Lewis Hamilton Signs One-Year Contract Extension with Mercedes
Lewis Hamilton has agreed to a one-year contract extension with Mercedes as he aims to secure an unprecedented eighth Formula 1 world title in the upcoming season. The British driver expressed his excitement about the new deal and looks forward to building on the team’s success in the upcoming season, which kicks off in Bahrain next month.
Hamilton, who was knighted in the New Year Honours, had been out of contract since the expiration of his last £40 million-a-year deal on December 31, 2022. After weeks of negotiations with Mercedes, the new one-year extension has been finalized.
In a statement, Hamilton said, “I am excited to be heading into my ninth season with my Mercedes teammates. Our team has achieved incredible things together, and we look forward to building on our success even further, while continuously looking to improve, both on and off the track.”
Hamilton, known for his advocacy against racism, highlighted the commitment to making motorsport more diverse for future generations. He mentioned the launch of a foundation dedicated to diversity and inclusion in the sport as part of ongoing efforts.
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff commented on the extension, stating, “We have always been aligned with Lewis that we would continue, but the very unusual year we had in 2020 meant it took some time to finish the process. Together, we have decided to extend the sporting relationship for another season and to begin a longer-term project to take the next step in our shared commitment to greater diversity within our sport.”
Hamilton, who equaled Michael Schumacher’s record for the number of victories and secured his seventh title last season, will continue his partnership with Mercedes for the ninth consecutive season. Wolff emphasized the historic achievements of Mercedes and Hamilton, expressing the team’s hunger to compete and add more chapters to their success story.
The 2023 season promises to be another intriguing chapter in Hamilton’s illustrious career as he seeks to extend his legacy in Formula 1.
