Lewis Hamilton believes Mercedes will be the last team he drives for in Formula 1, as he hailed the working relationship he has with the three-time defending world champions.
Since joining in 2013, the Briton has re-established himself following a stuttering end to his time at McLaren. He would claim two world titles in 2014 and 2015 and become one of the sport’s biggest stars both and off the track in the process.
Though the intense battle with Nico Rosberg in recent years did generate some tension at times, this year the situation has been much better with the 32-year-old garnering a good partnership with Valtteri Bottas, something that was clearly displayed in Hungary after he abided by a team agreement which saw him hand third place back to the Finn on the final lap.
The improvement in atmosphere and the rebuilding of relations is also noticeable when Hamilton talks about life with Mercedes, offering comments that were very different just 12 months ago.
“It’s difficult to say, I am so happy where I am,” Lewis said considering if he would join another team. “I tell you, when I joined this team I couldn’t have imagined it being like this and, regardless of our results, it’s the environment that I live in.
“I couldn’t have dreamed of it being better and I am pretty sure there is no other team that has this environment, I am pretty certain of it. If I was to move, I would have to try and take what we have here and try to implement it somewhere else, but do I really want to do that? There’s no real need.
“When you’re a Mercedes driver, there’s no other team in the whole sport that takes care of its drivers like Mercedes does,” he claimed. “So to turn your back and leave that behind, that is a really difficult call to make. If I was to jump ship from here, that would be when I stop.”
Speculation over his future has continued in recent months ranging from potential retirement as soon as the end of this year, to a future drive with Ferrari, something Hamilton himself has admitted would be one of several aspirations.
“Of course I look at other teams that I have admired, I look at Williams and look at how cool it would be to one day drive for Williams and help them get back to the top,” he said, “but I don’t have a crystal ball, I don’t know how long that will take or even if that’s even possible. It’s just that I admire Frank and the Williams team just for its history.
“With McLaren, I have been there and done that and had a great, great experience with them. There’s no other team except for Ferrari that could ever be interesting, but right now I love being here, I love the people I work for, the people I work with and what the company represents.
“Mercedes take care of their drivers. Whether it’s including them in events, whether it’s including them in commercials, you continue to be an ambassador for the brand. And that’s the same for every single driver has been, so that’s a lot to throw away.”
