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Lewis Hamilton’s contract with Mercedes is set to end following the 2023 season’s conclusion, but the seven-time F1 world champion has reassured fans that he’s staying put at the Silver Arrows. The 38-year-old hasn’t recorded a win since Saudi Arabia in 2021 and last season was one of his toughest to date, finishing behind teammate George Russell in the drivers’ standings.<\/p>\n
Mercedes chief Toto Wolff has insisted that if the team is to get back to its best, Hamilton will play a key part. Wolff also said that Hamilton doesn’t need persuading over a contract extension, with the F1 driver echoing those comments himself.<\/p>\n
“I\u2019m staying where I am,” Hamilton said on his contract situation ahead of the Dutch Grand Prix. \u201cIt just takes time. We just had this break, as well. In this break, no one has been thinking about it. Hopefully, it will be done soon.\u201d<\/p>\n
When asked what was missing, Hamilton added: “I can\u2019t tell you. There\u2019s always something missing.\u201d<\/p>\n
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There were rumors that Ferrari was keen on bringing the Brit on board for the 2024 season. However, both Ferrari and Hamilton have poured cold water on those claims. “Well, I think it is the same situation with Lewis that it has been for the last 10 years,\u201d Ferrari boss Frederic Vasseur said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey are in discussion and I don\u2019t know whether there is an issue or not. Honestly, I\u2019m not focused at all on this. I\u2019m focused on the development of the team and the discussion is between Lewis and Toto and not myself.\u201d<\/p>\n
Don’t miss… <\/strong> We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info<\/p>\n F1 returns this weekend for its 13th race of the season and Red Bull has yet to be beaten. Three-peat-chasing world champion Max Verstappen has claimed ten victories while Sergio Perez won in Saudi and Azerbaijan.<\/p>\n Hamilton says he’s preparing to challenge Verstappen’s dominance. \u201cI definitely feel like I\u2019m ready to try to prepare myself for when the car is ready to be able to challenge and beat Max,\u201d he said. \u201cI think, at the moment, the only way currently we could probably do that is just to capitalize on any potential mistakes, which they don\u2019t tend to make. But if they do, I\u2019ll be there.\u201d<\/p>\n He added: “Of course, we know performance-wise, we\u2019re not going to blitz these races, but maximizing points every weekend, holding on to second in the Constructor\u2019s Championship, and chasing down Perez \u2026 that\u2019s my goal.”<\/p>\n
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