Lewis Hamilton has dismissed speculation by fellow Formula 1 champions that he may leave the sport if he endures a second uncompetitive season in 2023.
The seven-times world champion experienced his first ever win-less season in F1 last year. His current contract to drive for Mercedes will expire at the end of 2023.
Reports have emerged recently quoting Hamilton’s former team mate Jenson Button and another world champion, Damon Hill, suggesting he will not want to continue in F1 if the lack of success continues.
Hamilton rejected the claims when he spoke to media including RaceFans at the Bahtrain International Circuit today.
“People creating rumours without facts is never helpful,” said Hamilton. “You would have thought that they would both know me by now.”
How successful Mercedes is this year will not have a bearing on whether Hamilton returns to race in the 2024 F1 season, he said.
“I’ve been with Mercedes since I was 13. Having a difficult year we had last year, whether or not we have a difficult year this year, I’ll still be here. I’m a fighter and we fight as a team. I love the challenge of finding solutions.
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“I still believe I’m able to put the car in places that perhaps others are not able to and I love that challenge. Of course I wish that we start the season with a great car but it’s the journey that really counts.”
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff revealed he and Hamilton have already had early talks around extending his deal to drive for them.
“There is no hold-up with our contract,” said Hamilton. “I’ve always been very relaxed. I don’t feel like I have to get it done right this second.
“I’m in a very fortunate position. It’ll get done when we’re ready. I have a great relationship with Toto and with Mercedes and we fully support each other and I’m really excited for the future together.
“I’m really proud of the work that we’re doing on and off the track and the potential of the things that we’re doing.”
Hamilton joked he and Wolff will “get there, unless some catastrophic thing happens with me and Toto, we get into the ring!”
“But no,” he concluded, “that’s all good!”
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