Lewis Hamilton has sensationally quashed any rumours that he would be leaving Formula 1 and Mercedes anytime soon.
The seven-time world champion is yet to sign a new deal with the Banbury-based team with his current contract coming to an end at the conclusion of the 2023 season. Sky Sports host Simon Lazenby had even suggested that he could head to Ferrari for one last big move.
But Hamilton is not interested in indulging such rumours and moved to reassure fans of his love for the team and that he doesn’t see his future in anything but silver.
“Goodbye to Mercedes? I’m not focused on this. I love this team,” Hamilton said, as quoted by Formula Passion. “I am very grateful to everyone who was able to join me in this team.
“I don’t see myself in another car, I don’t see myself giving in. I’m not one to give up. I wouldn’t say I’m enjoying this situation very much, it’s true, but I’m trying to be patient and work with the team to get to a good position, so I can’t say more. I’m not going anywhere.”
Alonso factor
At 38 years of age, Hamilton could be forgiven for looking towards his future beyond F1 with his passion for music and fashion well documented in the past. But he may look at Fernando Alonso and realise that he still has a few years left in the tank.
The 41-year-old secured his 99th and 100th podiums in F1 in a vastly improved Aston Martin to show all the youngsters that he is still the boss when he wants to be.
That level of performance at such an age is becoming more common as science learns how to maintain health for longer at the highest level and Hamilton has to aim for that as well.
He will have the full trust of Mercedes and vice versa that a return to the top of the sport is imminent and moving teams now could well spell the end of his remarkable tenure in F1.
