Lewis Hamilton reveals contract talks with Mercedes HAVE begun over extension into 2022 with Brit’s deal expiring at the end of the season
- Lewis Hamilton signed only a one-year deal with Mercedes during the off season
- The seven-time champion is battling for his eighth title with Max Verstappen
- The 35-year-old’s other interests have fans speculating over when he’ll quit
- Hamilton looks set to continue into 2022 when the sports’ rules are altered
Seven-time Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton has hinted his glittering career will continue into the sport’s new era from 2022, revealing he’s begun contract talks with Mercedes.
The Brit’s contract is a key focus for the sport once more after the German team could only tie him down for an extra year during the off-season.
Hamilton has dominated the hybrid era of F1 – since 2014 – but with a major overhaul of the regulations inbound for next season and Mercedes’ dominance under threat, some have speculated he could walk away to explore his off-grid passions.
Lewis Hamilton has entered contract discussions with Mercedes over another season in F1
The Brit, who trails Max Verstappen in the championship, is out on contract at the end of 2021
However, the 35-year-old revealed he’s entered talks for another year at least, and could be gunning for his ninth title in 2022 – if he can overhaul Max Verstappen this season.
‘Not a lot to say too much on, but we have had discussions and things are positive,’ Hamilton said ahead of the Styrian GP this weekend.
The Stevenage-born driver trials Verstappen by 12 points in the championship, with three victories each for the talented rivals.
The constructors standings are a bigger concern for Mercedes, with Red Bull 37 points ahead going into the Austrian team’s home race.
If Hamilton continues into the 2022 season he could be gunning for a stunning ninth world title
First he’ll have to get back ahead of Red Bull’s Verstappen, who beat him at the French GP
Hamilton and Bottas are long-time team-mates and the 35-year-old is happy with the Fin
Hamilton’s team-mate Valtteri Bottas isn’t pulling his weight as the No.2 driver this season, with the Fin so far dominated by Red Bull’s second car, piloted by Sergio ‘Checo’ Perez.
Bottas is expected to be replaced by Williams driver George Russell during the off season but Hamilton – whose leadership of the team has never once been challenged by the Fin – would be happy to continue their partnership.
‘Valtteri is my team-mate now,’ Hamilton said, ‘and both of us have had ups and downs in our careers but he is a fantastic team-mate and I don’t necessarily see that it needs to change.
‘We have worked well for many years. Valtteri has been my best team-mate overall and when I say team-mate it’s not just driver performance, it’s about team morale and how you work in the team-mate environment.’