Formula 1 champion Lewis Hamilton has re-signed with Mercedes for at least two more years, it was announced on Saturday.
This marks the second contract extension in just six months for the Briton, who agreed a stop-gap one-year deal for this year back in February.
Now though, the 36-year-old has committed to a multi-year deal with the Brackley-based team, and after six championships, 77 wins and 74 poles since joining in 2013, Hamilton is confident more success is to come.
“It is hard to believe it’s been nearly nine years working with this incredible team and I’m excited we’re going to continue our partnership for two more years,” Lewis said in a press release.
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“We’ve accomplished so much together but we still have a lot to achieve, both on and off the track. I’m incredibly proud and grateful of how Mercedes has supported me in my drive to improve diversity and equality in our sport.
“They have held themselves accountable and made important strides in creating a more diverse team and inclusive environment. Thank you to all the dedicated and talented individuals at Mercedes whose hard work makes it all possible and the Board for their continued trust in me.
“We’re entering a new era of car which will be challenging and exciting and I can’t wait to see what else we can achieve together.”
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff welcomed Hamilton’s new contract, believing he is the best man to lead the team into what will hopefully be a more competitive period in F1 history.
“As we enter a new era of F1 from 2022 onwards, there can be no better driver to have in our team than Lewis,” he said.
“His achievements in this sport speak for themselves, and with his experience, speed and race-craft, he is at the peak of his powers.
“We are relishing the battle we have on our hands this year – and that’s why we also wanted to agree this contract early, so we have no distractions from the competition on track.
“I have always said that as long as Lewis still possesses the fire for racing, he can continue as long as he wants.”
Now, all eyes will turn to the second seat at Mercedes, where a decision will be made between Valtteri Bottas or Williams driver George Russell for next year.