LEWIS HAMILTON has signed a new two-year contract with Mercedes keeping him in F1 until 2023.
The seven time world champion has agreed terms on a package worth around £80million.
Hamilton, 36, is currently locked in a fierce battle with Red Bull’s Max Verstappen for the title.
The Dutchman is currently 18 points ahead of this weekend’s Austrian GP, but Hamilton is adamant he is still in the fight.
His new contract is a huge statement of intent from F1’s most successful driver of all time.
Next year the sport will undergo its biggest ever rule change and Hamilton is confident that Merc are capable of delivering him a car to fight for more victories and titles.
He said: “It is hard to believe it’s been nearly nine years working with this incredible team and 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. I’m incredibly proud and grateful of how Mercedes has supported me in my drive to improve diversity and equality in our sport.
“They have held themselves accountable and made important strides in creating a more diverse team and inclusive environment.
“Thank you to all the dedicated and talented individuals at Mercedes whose hard work makes it all possible and the board for their continued trust in me.
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“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.”
Team boss Toto Wolff said his star driver was evergreen and could continue to race for however long he wishes.
He added: “As we enter a new era of F1 from 2022 onwards, there can be no better driver to have in our team than Lewis.
“His achievements in this sport speak for themselves, and with his experience, speed and race-craft, he is at the peak of his powers.
“We are relishing the battle we have on our hands this year – and that’s why we also wanted to agree this contract early, so we have no distractions from the competition on track.
“I have always said that as long as Lewis still possesses the fire for racing, he can continue as long as he wants.”
Source: Motorsport - thesun.co.uk
