The decision is made. Lewis Hamilton will stay with the Mercedes F1 team for two more years.
The 36-year-old Briton has already been world champion in the premier class of motorsport seven times, of which six times in the service of Mercedes. For which he has been driving for nine years. Despite speculation about a possible departure, there are now at least another two years until 2023.
Hamilton is aiming for an eighth world title this season, but currently has to tolerate the strong Max Verstappen (Honda) in the position.
“We still have a lot to achieve. Both on and off the track,” said Hamilton, who would not compromise on his annual salary. According to the BBC, after making an encore due to the corona pandemic, he will again earn what he got for it: about 46 million euros a year.
Hamilton equaled the record set by German Michael Schumacher last season. The Briton became world champion in 2008 (for McLaren), 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020 (each time for Mercedes). In Formula 1, no one has achieved more victories (98), pole positions (100) and podium places (171) than Hamilton.
At the beginning of this year, Hamilton extended his contract for one season with Mercedes.
“Despite”
“It’s hard to believe that I’ve been working with this incredible team for almost nine years. I look forward to two more years together,” Hamilton said on the Mercedes website. “I am incredibly proud and grateful that Mercedes has supported me in my fight for more diversity and equality in our sport. With the new rules of technology, a new era is coming that will be challenging and exciting. I can’t wait to see what else we can achieve together.”
“As we enter a new era in F1 from 2022, we couldn’t have a better driver in our team than Lewis,” said Toto Wolff, CEO at the Mercedes race stable. “His achievements speak for themselves. With his experience, speed and racing skills, he is at the top of his game.”
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