Lewis Hamilton has expressed his desire to ink a long-term contract with his current team, rather than settling for a year-by-year deal.
Hamilton’s current deal with the heavyweight constructor is set to expire at the end of the season, and he has yet to sign an extension. This has triggered speculation that he may opt to join another team or even retire from the sport.
Adding to the uncertainty surrounding his future is the team’s recent struggles on the track, as evidenced by their disappointing performance in the first four races of the season.
With only one podium finish to their name so far, the team’s lack of pace compared to their competitors has further complicated their efforts to convince Hamilton to stay.
Upgrades are on the horizon, and both Hamilton and Wolff have confirmed that a new contract is still in the works, leading the 38-year-old to openly discuss his future with the Silver Arrows.
“I’m thinking long-term, I don’t want to stay here for another year. I want to stay longer,” said Hamilton post the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
Hamilton’s intention to sign a multi-year deal with Mercedes stems from his desire to pursue an eighth world title, a feat that would break records.
Despite the team’s current struggles, the veteran racer remains determined to continue his career and has no intention of retiring.
Speaking to ESPN, the 38-year-old remarked: “I don’t plan on stopping any time soon. I’m not at the end of my career, I’m not in the downhill slope of my career. I’m in my prime.
“It all depends on how hard I want to work and keep myself in my prime, in terms of physical and mental capability.
“If you look at LeBron [James], if you look at Tom Brady, they have shown that it can be sustained for as long as you are dedicated enough to put the energy and time in.
“Right now, I don’t plan on changing, I only plan on adding to the drive and the motivation and to being better. I’m massively driven.”
