Lewis Hamilton Will Stay With Mercedes Through 2023

By Luis Torres, Staff Writer

Seven-time Formula One World Champion Lewis Hamilton has agreed on a two-year contract extension with Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team. This was announced hours prior to Saturday’s Austrian Grand Prix activities.

Although Hamilton will roll off fourth on the grid for Sunday’s race, he’s excited to continue his strong partnership that began in 2013.

“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,” said Hamilton in a press release.

“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.”

With the new car and regulations set to debut next season, Toto Wolff described that having Hamilton for an additional two years speaks volumes.

“His achievements in this sport speak for themselves, and with his experience, speed and race-craft, he is at the peak of his powers,” said the Team Principal.

“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.”

Since Hamilton joined Mercedes, he’s racked up a lot of triumphs and records. Some of which he’s still eyeing on accomplishing this season. In his current tenure, Hamilton has won 77 races, 74 poles and reached the podium 122 times. Finally, six out of his seven titles came from the Silver Arrow entity.

After eight rounds, Hamilton trails Max Verstappen by 18 points as he’ll look to cut some of the gap down at the Red Bull Ring. Race coverage will air live at 9:00 a.m. ET on ESPN.