Lewis Hamilton could stay in Formula 1 beyond his contract with Mercedes boss Toto Wolff claiming he has “many, many years to go”.
The seven-time world champion is currently signed with the Brackley-based team until the end of 2023 and there have been a few suggestions that could be when Hamilton decides it is time to retire.
In fact, given Mercedes’ troubled start to this season, Wolff was asked in Australia if the 37-year-old might seek a way out of his contract early…
“No,” he told the PA. “You can only walk away if you don’t like what you do anymore, but Lewis loves doing this.
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“Fernando Alonso wants to go on for another three years. Today, athletes look after themselves much better.
“More is known about the science, nutrition, health and medical side of it, and Lewis is in fantastic shape. His lifestyle is hugely disciplined now and he has many, many years to go.
“In Britain, a couple means two, but where I come from in Austria, a couple means a few, and there are a few [more years to go].”
Wolff also argued the current performance problems at Mercedes could actually motivate Hamilton to push the team back to the top.
“Isn’t it a great challenge for him?” he pondered. “He was at McLaren. He then went to Mercedes when it wasn’t great, and has won six titles here. The team has got it wrong now, but he can be a part of the rise again.”
Next up: getting @GeorgeRussell63 to skydive pic.twitter.com/yQHJ0HxsyZ
— Lewis Hamilton (@LewisHamilton) April 12, 2022
What’s also in Mercedes’ favour is the relationship Hamilton has struck with new teammate George Russell, who Lewis praised after his first podium for the team in Melbourne.
“It’s incredible. He’s done an amazing job, he did an amazing job [in Australia], had great pace,” he said of his fellow Brit.
“He’s been so solid over these first three races. He’s working, really grafting away, he’s doing an amazing job.”
