The reigning seven-time Formula 1 champion Lewis Hamilton will continue on with Mercedes through 2023 on a new two-year contract. Before pre-testing this season six months ago, Hamilton had only signed with the team for a one-year deal. The deal was done between Hamilton and Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff within weeks before the announcement ahead of the Austrian Grand Prix on Saturday, July 3. Mercedes is where he has won six of his seven titles and the deal will extend his time to 11 years at the end of the term.
“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” Hamilton said in a release. “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 for 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.”
Toto Wolff, who has been with Mercedes and Hamilton since 2013, said “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 to this contract early, so we have no distractions from the competition on the track.”
Hamilton will be just shy of 39 by the time the contract is up. “I have always said that as long as Lewis still possesses the fire for racing, he can continue as long as he wants,” Wolff added.
Hamilton has 98 career wins including three this season and currently sits second in the standings.
