Lewis Hamilton has begun talks over a new contract with Mercedes, the Formula One crew confirmed on Wednesday.
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The seven-time world champion mentioned throughout the launch of the crew’s new automobile for the 2023 season at Silverstone that he’s “planning to stay a bit longer”.
Mercedes crew principal Toto Wolff added later discussions over an extensions to Hamilton’s £40 million-a-season deal, which expires on the finish of the yr, have begun.
“We have had a first chat, but I don’t want to commit to any timeline,” mentioned Wolff.
“That is just not essential for him or for us. His present contract runs a full yr and we are going to discover the fitting time.
“We have done a few of these contracts in the past and it is not usually complex apart from the obvious terms.”
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Lewis Hamilton turned 38 final month together with his subsequent deal set to take him past his fortieth birthday.
But Wolff mentioned perceptions of what constituted ‘old’ in trendy sport had been having to be revised.
“The age performs no function for this subsequent contract. If you have a look at how nicely prime athletes have pushed the boundaries, and I’m eager about (not too long ago retired American soccer quarterback) Tom Brady, who’s 45 and has been on a pitch and being tackled.
“In terms of the contract, we have always found good solutions that reflect his value to the team, and the sport, and Mercedes is the place he wants to be. Nothing is dragging on, the alignment is great and this will be a journey that continues.”
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Hamilton recorded his worst championship ending place of sixth in F1 final yr, though that gave the impression to be extra to do with the crew’s failure to regulate to the game’s new rules than any decline within the British driver’s skill.
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“How he (Hamilton) appears to me is in great form, very positive, motivated, energised, and maybe the best so far I have seen in those 10 years at Mercedes after the winter,” Wolff mentioned.
“He is aware of what he has with the crew. We have gained eight constructors’ titles in a row, and we bought it incorrect final yr. The useful resource and the aptitude is there and we simply have to proceed to develop like we’ve got accomplished final season.
“I don’t think it plays on Lewis’ mind, that he is in any doubt that the team can perform. We will. Eventually.”
Earlier, Lewis Hamilton mentioned: “I have been here a long time. I continue to love racing and that is never ever going to change. It is part of my DNA and I always believe I can get better.”
“There is always a new log-book and new tools that you have to get used to, and I love that so I am planning to stay a little bit longer.”
By Garrin Lambley © Agence France-Presse
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