Photo credit: Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team
Lewis Hamilton is out of contract with Mercedes at the end of this season. While Hamilton has given no desire to leave, rumours have been in circulation that F1’s most successful driver in history may be assessing his options before he puts pen to paper.
Mercedes Motorsport boss Toto Wolff added fuel to the rumours recently when he said it would “only be natural for his driver to shop around in the future if the team cannot provide a more competitive car”.
However the seven-time world champion is saying a renewal would come as a formality over the recent off-season. It is now clear that Hamilton is looking to continue his long term affiliation with Mercedes, which the Brit has had since a young age when Mercedes were engine partner to Hamilton’s McLaren.
Recently Hamilton has expressed his desire to continue with Mercedes until his “last days”, similar to multiple grand prix winner and 1955 Mille Miglia victor Sterling Moss.
Moss’ continuation with Mercedes in an ambassador role for his whole life after Formula 1 inspires the 37-year-old.
“I continue to feel very much at home. It’s family. I see myself being with Mercedes till my last days, to be honest. If you look at the legends, Sir Stirling Moss was with Mercedes till the end of days.
“So, that’s been the dream for me to one day have that… well I have that, so I mean just continue on with that and continue to build with the brand.”
The Briton went on to say that he’s still in “pretty decent shape” and is happy to continue in his driving role.
“I think, for me personally, just as long as I can continue to help the team, as long as I can continue to help drive the team forwards and really contribute, then that’s why I want to stay.
“If there’s ever going to be a point where I feel like I’m not able to do that, then it’s time for a youngster to come in to take my seat. But I’m still pretty young, in pretty decent shape.”
He continued: “I’ve got some amazing allies within the team. I’ve got great relationships here.”
A special mention: R.I.P Craig Breen.
As this is the first article I’ve written since the tragic passing of Craig Breen, I want to take the opportunity to express my sympathies to Craig’s family and friends.
“Don’t let anyone ever put you down because only you know your true potential.”
