Seven-time Formula 1 champion is giving himself plenty of time to add to his already insurmountable records.
- Lewis Hamilton, a seven-time World Champion, has current deal with Mercedes that expires at the end of the 2023 season.
- A multiyear deal would mean that Hamilton plans on competing in F1 through at least 2025.
- Such a deal would give him at least three more seasons to add to his record 103-win total and three more chances to break the tie with Michael Schumacher with seven championships.
Lewis Hamilton has suggested that he will be racing in Formula 1 into his 40s after outlining his intention to remain with Mercedes on a multiyear deal.
Hamilton, 37, was not in title contention this year for the first time since 2013—his first season with Mercedes—and has not taken a single victory amid Mercedes’ struggles with its W13.
The seven-time World Champion’s current deal with Mercedes, which was signed in mid-2021, expires at the end of the 2023 season. A multiyear deal would mean that Hamilton plans on competing in F1 through at least 2025, and that would give him at least three more seasons to add to his record 103-win total and three more chances to break the tie with Michael Schumacher with seven championships.
Earlier this season, he hinted to Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff that he’d like to drive another five years.
Lewis Hamilton turns 38 years old in January.
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Speaking ahead of this weekend’s Mexico City Grand Prix, the third-last event of 2022, Hamilton outlined that he has “not put a limit” on the potential length of a new deal.
“I’m planning to do a multiyear deal with my team,” said Hamilton. “I really don’t know what the next five years… I think we’re still trying to work on that. There are a lot of great things that are being put in place, like I just launched the production company this week, but I feel great in my body and mind.
“I want to continue, I think there’s more stuff for us to achieve together so I want to be here longer, I just don’t know. If Fernando (Alonso) leaves maybe I’ll have to think about it twice because I’ll be the oldest driver then.”
Alonso, a two-time champion, is 41 years old. Hamilton turns 38 in January and would be 40 for the 2025 F1 season.
In previous years, when discussing contracts and renewals, Hamilton had suggested that he didn’t envisage himself competing in Formula 1 into his fifth decade. When asked what had changed, he replied: “I don’t know. It’s been lingering around, this narrative of winding towards the end.
“I’m sure for all of you in your careers and your jobs you probably have to analyze what’s next? Is there someone else you want to go? Is there somewhere higher you want to be? Is there room for growth in that role? I think that was perhaps something for me. Being a racing driver is a great thing but I was trying to see ‘How am I going to grow beyond this role?’.
“I think you’re seeing that with the work we’re doing with (foundation) Ignite, I’ve got Mission 44 now, Toto (Wolff) has been a great leader and enabled me to do things.
Ultimately, it will be Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff, left, who will be signing off on Lewis Hamilton’s next, and possibly final, contract offer.
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“He said to me in the past when Niki (Lauda) would say to him ‘How do you let him do this?’ and then eventually they’re all coming round to the idea that supporting and enabling people to be their best is better for everybody’s interest.
“I think I’m just in a happy place in my life, a lot more grounded. I’ve got my home that I get to spend time in in the U.K. when I come to see the team for example, and the family come down. So it’s just a lot better set-up all-round, and I feel like I can take the team to more championships.”
The Hamilton-Mercedes partnership is already the longest in Formula 1’s history, with the Briton having been with the marque for 197 of his 307 Grands Prix since joining from McLaren.
Keyword: Lewis Hamilton May Have Just Set Timetable for Exit from F1