Lewis Hamilton reveals Mercedes talks underway for new Formula 1 contract into 2022 season
“We are always talking about not wanting to do it mid-season because it can be a distraction, but we’ve started it in a way that it’s light-hearted, it’s not intense, it’s not causing trouble”
Hamilton joined Mercedes in 2013 and has gone on to enjoy unprecedented success, adding six titles to the one he won with McLaren. He is chasing a record eighth drivers’ championship this year, having already claimed the outright F1 record for race wins, pole positions, and podiums.
Hamilton is only on a one-year deal for 2021. But while his continuation at the world champions appears a formality, the identity of his team-mate for 2022 is less clear cut.
Valtteri Bottas, 31, has held that seat since 2017 but his contract is also up for renewal at the end of the season. Mercedes-backed George Russell, 23, is the obvious alternative should the team opt to look to the longer-term future.
Hamilton has once more given his public backing to Bottas, who has endured a difficult start to the season.
“Valtteri is my team-mate now and both of us have had ups and downs in our careers but he is a fantastic team-mate and I don’t necessarily see that it needs to change,” said the world champion.
