Seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton is doing exceptionally well to quash any suggestions that he could leave Mercedes at the end of the season, when his contract with the Silver Arrows expires.
Hamilton’s current deal with Mercedes only runs until the end of 2023, with an extension yet to be signed for 2024 and beyond.
It had been speculated over the winter break that Hamilton was going to sign a multi-year extension for 2024 and 2025; however, nothing was signed ahead of the new season.
As a result, suggestions have been made that Hamilton could actually leave the Germans for the likes of Ferrari, where he might get a more competitive seat.
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Some ex-F1 drivers have also questioned whether Hamilton is perhaps waiting until the summer to sign a new deal, in the hope that Mercedes’ big upgrades dramatically improve the performance of the W14.
Hamilton has denied all of these suggestions and is adamant that a deal will be signed, with the 38-year-old currently having no reason to leave the team he’s won six Drivers’ Championships at.
“I’ve got some amazing allies within the team. I’ve got great relationships here,” Hamilton told Autosport.
“I think, for me personally, just as long as I can continue to help the team, as long as I can continue to help drive the team forwards and really contribute, then that’s why I want to stay.”
Whilst Hamilton has no plans on “going anywhere else” despite some rumours linking him to a switch to Ferrari, the 103-time race winner does admit that Mercedes “need a kick” to get back into the right gear, with the side currently falling behind Red Bull.
“I still have 100 per cent belief in this team, it is my family, and I’ve been here a long time, so I don’t plan on going anywhere else. But we all need a kick, we all need to get on,” Hamilton said ahead of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.
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Whilst he has no plans on leaving Mercedes or retiring just yet, Hamilton has admitted that he could leave the sport should he feel like he’s not adding anything to the Silver Arrows.
When Hamilton does reach that point, then he’ll be prepared to give his unbelievable seat to a new “youngster”.
“If there’s ever going to be a point where I feel like I’m not able to do that, then it’s time for a youngster to come in to take my seat. But I’m still pretty young, in pretty decent shape,” Hamilton added.