The deal which was announced on Saturday covers 2022 and
2023.
It means Hamilton will be staying in Formula One for the
next two years at least.
“I’m excited we’re going to continue our partnership for two
more years.
“We’ve accomplished so much together but we still have a lot
to achieve, both on and off the track,” said the Briton, 36, at the Austrian
Grand Prix.
Hamilton, who joined Mercedes from McLaren in 2013 as
replacement for retired seven-time champion Michael Schumacher, was out of
contract at the end of this season after agreeing a one-year deal only in
February.
“I have always said that as long as Lewis still possesses
the fire for racing, he can continue as long as he wants,” commented team boss
and shareholder Toto Wolff.
Hamilton is the sport’s most successful driver of all time,
with 98 wins and 100 pole positions, and Mercedes had said they did not want to
leave it so late again.
“I’m incredibly proud and grateful of how Mercedes has
supported me in my drive to improve diversity and equality in our sport,” said
Hamilton, the sport’s only Black driver, who has used his platform to campaign
for social justice.
“They have held themselves accountable and made important
strides in creating a more diverse team and inclusive environment.
“We’re entering a new era of car which will be challenging
and exciting, and I can’t wait to see what else we can achieve together.”
Hamilton is fighting for a record eighth title but is second
in the current championship, 18 points behind Red Bull’s Max Verstappen after
eight races.
Liberty Media-owned Formula One welcomed the announcement
that its star property had ended any speculation about his future.
“This is fantastic news for Formula One and I am delighted
that Lewis will stay in F1 for at least another two years,” said chief
executive Stefano Domenicali.
“What he has achieved in this sport is incredible and I know
he has more to come. He is a global superstar on and off the race track and his
positive impact on Formula One is huge.”
Hamilton’s team mate for 2022 remains to be decided, with
Finland’s Valtteri Bottas out of contract and young Briton George Russell
tipped to replace him.
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