Lewis Hamilton is unbothered by the speculation surrounding his future, confident that he will agree to a contract extension with Mercedes in the near future. The 7-time Champion has hinted at a multi-year deal with the Silver Arrows.
After securing a third podium of the season in Canada, Hamilton can be increasingly confident that Mercedes are on the right path to hunt down Red Bull over the next 12 months.
James Allison has spearheaded the change in direction for the W14, also speaking with excitement about the incoming improvements that can be expected with more significant changes over the winter.
Regardless of whether Mercedes fight Red Bull for the Championship in 2024 or not, the Brackley squad is better placed than most to contend – within touching distance of the reigning Champions.
Combining this reality with the 38-year-old’s sustained high level of performance, it is clear that a contract extension is imminent.
Speaking in an interview, Hamilton was unequivocal of his intentions to continue in Formula 1:
“We had a good meeting just recently. They are very complex contracts. It’s not just a simple driving contract,” he explained to Sky Sports.
“Right now, I’m planning to be here and racing for a decent chunk of time.
“You have just got to explore all avenues in the sense of how you can continue to expand your partnership with such a great organisation.
“It’s not as easy as just saying ‘go ahead’ – and I don’t have to be in a rush.”
Hamilton has previously mentioned ambitions of becoming a Mercedes ambassador after his retirement, so it is plausible that more long-term discussions about this partnership are being discussed.
Focusing on the implications this has in F1, Mercedes will retain what is widely regarded as one of the strongest driver pairings on the grid – with George Russell currently on a multi-year deal.
Last summer demonstrated how volatile and unpredictable F1’s “silly season” can be, but any changes in the 2023 transfer market are unlikely to happen at the German constructor.
The priority in Brackley will be to continue developing the W14 and establish the necessary foundations to avoid starting next year’s campaign on the back foot.
Author: Jaden Diaz-Ndisang
