Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton has seemingly silenced any suggestions that he could be tempted to leave Mercedes at the end of 2023, once his contract with the Germans expires.
Hamilton’s future has been a massive talking point ahead of this weekend’s Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, after Mercedes slipped to fourth in the pecking order at the season-opener in Bahrain.
The Bahrain Grand Prix was miserable for Mercedes, as the W14 failed to challenge Red Bull, Ferrari or Aston Martin.
Mercedes truly are in a desperate situation, with the side already considering a change of concept, according to several reports.
READ: ‘Maybe in Jeddah’: Mike Krack fires Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll warning
Changing the car’s concept isn’t going to result in an instant return to the front, though, given that they’ll be severely behind in development compared to their rivals.
Should this weekend’s Saudi Arabian GP be just as disastrous for the Brackley-based team, then the likelihood is that Hamilton will be ruled out of title contention, meaning his wait for an unprecedented eighth world title will go on ever longer.
With Mercedes having fallen further behind, it has been questioned whether Mercedes is the best place for the 38-year-old, should he want to be amongst the title fight.
Many have suggested that he could switch to Ferrari for 2024, something which’ll see him complete a boyhood dream and likely put him back towards the front.
Others have stated that he’s waiting to see if Mercedes can offer him a winning car before signing a new contract, something which was expected to happen over the winter.
Hamilton has since come out and clarified that he won’t be going anywhere no matter how “difficult” 2023 is, with those “creating rumours” being unhelpful.
“It’s ultimately people creating rumours without facts. It’s never helpful,” said Hamilton.
“Having the difficult year we had last year, [I’m] still here, and whether or not we have a difficult year this year, I’ll still be here.”
READ: Andretti hire technical director amid Formula 1 entry plans
The Stevenage-born driver has also shut down suggestions that there is a delay in regard to a potential new contract, with Hamilton having revealed that both himself and Mercedes are “very relaxed” and that the deal “will get done”.
“There is no hold up with our contract,” Hamilton revealed.
“I’ve always been very, very relaxed. I don’t feel like I have to get it done right this second. I’m in a very fortunate position. It will get done when we’re ready. I have a great relationship with Toto and Mercedes, and we fully support each other.”