Lewis Hamilton says his decision to sign a new contract with Mercedes was motivated by the fact he and the team have “unfinished business” in Formula 1.
His remark cast minds back to the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, when Hamilton was six laps from winning an eighth world title until Formula 1’s then race director failed to apply the rules correctly and Max Verstappen prised the championship from the Briton’s grasp.
Hamilton has been stuck on seven championships since then, and been forced to watch as Verstappen and his Red Bull team have swept all before them, having grasped the potential of a new set of technical rules far better than anyone else.
“We dream every day of being the best and we have dedicated the past decade together to achieving that goal,” Hamilton said as Mercedes announced the extension ahead of this weekend’s Italian Grand Prix.
“Being at the top does not happen overnight or over a short period of time, it takes commitment, hard work and dedication and it’s been an honour to earn our way into the history books with this incredible team.”
Mercedes also officially confirmed that Hamilton’s team-mate George Russell will remain with team until the end of 2025.