Formula 1 correspondent Lawrence Barretto believes that it’s only a matter of time before Lewis Hamilton officially signs a contract extension with Mercedes, stating that it’s a “matter of when, rather than if” the deal will be confirmed.
Although Hamilton and the Mercedes team have verbally committed to extending their partnership in Formula 1, a formal agreement has yet to be finalized through a signed contract. Rumors linking Hamilton to a move to Ferrari have been dismissed by the seven-time World Champion.
Despite Mercedes facing a second consecutive season where they are not in the title battle, Hamilton has consistently expressed his desire to win an eighth World Championship. According to Barretto, Hamilton is confident that Mercedes is the team capable of helping him achieve this goal.
Barretto explained, “The best seat still technically available for 2024 sits at Mercedes alongside George Russell – but in reality, it’s a matter of when, rather than if, Lewis Hamilton finally puts pen to paper to keep it in his possession and extend his stay at the Silver Arrows.”
Both Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff and Hamilton have indicated that the key terms, including financial terms and the duration of the contract, have already been agreed upon. The delay in finalizing the contract is attributed to minor details that need to be addressed.
Hamilton has a history of signing new contracts relatively late. In 2021, he signed a one-year extension on the eve of pre-season testing, and six months later, he inked a new two-year deal, extending his contract until the end of 2023.
The 38-year-old driver believes he can continue racing for at least another five years and is determined to secure a record eighth World Championship. Given his longstanding relationship with the Mercedes family, from his karting days to his Formula 1 debut with the Mercedes-powered McLaren team and his decade-long stint with the works Mercedes outfit, it’s highly likely he will remain with the Silver Arrows for the foreseeable future.
Hamilton’s immediate focus is to secure third place in the 2023 Drivers’ Championship. He is currently trailing Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso by just one point in that position.
