Hamilton signs new two-year deal with Mercedes

Ahead of the qualifying session for this weeekend's Austrian Grand Prix, Mercedes has announced that Lewis Hamilton has agreed to a new two-year contract which will keep him in F1 with the Anglo-German outfit until at least the end of 2023.

While the regining world champion was waiting long to sign his contract extension for the current year, he put pen to paper on his next contract much earlier this time around. The 36-year-old driver joined Mercedes at the beginning of 2013 and he has now announced that he will stay for another two years.

“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,” said Hamilton.

“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. 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.”

Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff commented: “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," Wolff concluded.