Lewis Hamilton fell short of claiming the 2021 drivers’ championship on the season’s final lap, ceding the title to Max Verstappen.
Lewis Hamilton declared that his renewed contract with Mercedes is driven by the “unresolved quest” he and the team still harbor in Formula 1.
This statement sent ripples back to the unforgettable 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, where Hamilton was tantalizingly close to bagging his eighth world title. A controversial decision by the then race director threw a wrench in the works, allowing Verstappen to snatch the championship trophy right out of the British driver’s hands.
Since that high-stakes event, Hamilton has remained stalled at seven championships. Meanwhile, Verstappen and his Red Bull crew have become the undisputed top dogs of the sport, effectively leveraging new technical regulations better than the rest.
During a Thursday press conference in Monza, moments after the revelation of his two-year contract extension, Hamilton stated that his primary objective for sticking around is to “rack up more world championships.”
Both Hamilton and the Mercedes team harbor no illusions: they both feel cheated by the events that unfolded at Yas Marina Circuit. This sentiment looms large over the subsequent seasons where they’ve fallen from grace, struggling to adjust to the new technical changes.
Hamilton, who just turned 38, spoke candidly last year about how the Abu Dhabi race has been a tough pill to swallow. However, he emphasized that his renewed contract is all about forging ahead, not dwelling on past grievances.
“I don’t operate on a revenge basis,” Hamilton shared. “The past is in the rearview mirror, and there’s no going back. What we can do is improve and push forward. I have full faith that this team can clinch more world championships and races. That’s where I’m focusing my energies.”
Should Hamilton win that elusive eighth title, he would reign supreme in F1 history, even if Verstappen’s impressive winning streak suggests he could give Hamilton a run for his records.
Hamilton’s seven championships tie him with Michael Schumacher—a record he could have broken had Michael Masi, F1’s race director in November 2021, not bucked traditional race restart rules after a safety car period, essentially putting the brakes on Hamilton’s championship chances.
When it comes to the recent missteps, Mercedes and Hamilton have been struggling to reclaim their mojo. They were Formula 1’s “it” couple from 2014 to 2020. It only took minor aerodynamic rule changes before the 2021 season for Red Bull to level the playing field. However, the sweeping technical changes in 2022 have left them scrambling, feeling less like A-listers and more like has-beens.
Hamilton has expressed his frustrations openly, especially since Mercedes seems to have not listened to his technical feedback. Yet, despite these turbulent times, Hamilton remains optimistic about a Mercedes comeback.
“The objective is clear-cut, but achieving it is a different ball game,” Hamilton said. “Perfection is elusive in this sport, but the chase for it is thrilling.”
Hamilton also indicated that even if they don’t rebound next year, he’s convinced they will eventually reclaim their former glory.
Racing into His 40s
Aging like fine wine, Hamilton and his long-standing rival, Fernando Alonso—with a combined age of 80—are currently sitting in third and fourth positions in the 2023 drivers’ championship.
Hamilton is set to compete past the age of 40, an idea he once couldn’t fathom. He finds inspiration in NFL legend Tom Brady, who retired at 45 after winning a record seven Super Bowls.
Contractual Jigsaw Puzzle
Hamilton’s renewed contract with Mercedes didn’t come easy. The bulk of the contractual elements like salary and duration were sorted earlier, but the fine print took time to finalize.
George Russell, Hamilton’s 25-year-old teammate whose own contract renewal runs parallel to Hamilton’s, said, “We’re practically hitched, given how long I’ve been with the team.”
Russell is convinced he’s regained his form after a tough summer and is confident about Mercedes reclaiming its front-row status.
“This is just chapter one,” Russell affirmed.
So, there you have it. In a sport where every second counts, Hamilton and Mercedes are playing the long game. And let’s be real, if they can bounce back from an edge-of-your-seat loss, they can certainly navigate the twists and turns that lie ahead.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Lewis Hamilton Contract Renewal
Why did Lewis Hamilton renew his contract with Mercedes?
Lewis Hamilton renewed his contract with Mercedes due to what he describes as “unresolved quest” in Formula 1. He aims to win more championships and believes that with his current team, they can collectively reach that goal.
What did Hamilton say about his past controversies, especially the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix?
Hamilton emphasized that he’s not one to seek revenge and that the past is behind him. He’s focusing on the future and working towards winning more championships with Mercedes.
Is Hamilton planning to retire anytime soon?
No, Hamilton is set to compete in F1 past the age of 40. He recently signed a two-year contract extension with Mercedes, which will keep him in the sport beyond his 40th birthday.
What has been the performance trajectory of Mercedes in recent seasons?
Mercedes dominated F1 from 2014 to 2020 but has struggled in recent seasons due to changes in technical regulations and what they perceive as unfair rulings. Despite these setbacks, both Hamilton and his teammate George Russell believe it’s only a matter of time before Mercedes returns to the front.
How does Lewis Hamilton view his competition with Max Verstappen?
Hamilton acknowledges Verstappen’s remarkable success but remains focused on his own goals. He believes that he still has a chance to stand alone at the top of all F1’s major record lists, including winning an eighth world championship.
What was Hamilton’s response to his team’s struggles with new technical rules?
Hamilton openly expressed his frustrations, especially since he felt the team did not listen to his technical feedback. However, he remains optimistic that they can make a comeback and is focusing all his energies on future races and championships.
Who inspired Hamilton to continue racing beyond the age of 40?
Hamilton cited NFL legend Tom Brady as an inspiration for continuing his sporting life into his fifth decade. Tom Brady retired at 45 after winning a record seven Super Bowls.
What are the contract details of Hamilton’s teammate, George Russell?
George Russell also signed a new deal with Mercedes that runs for the same period as Hamilton’s. Russell has been with the team since he was 17 and believes that it’s just a matter of time before Mercedes returns to its dominating position in F1.
Did Hamilton’s contract negotiations with Mercedes face any difficulties?
Yes, the negotiations were protracted, especially concerning the finer details once the main items like salary and duration were agreed upon. The contract was finalized only recently.
What’s next for Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes?
Both are focused on overcoming their recent setbacks and are aiming to win more championships. Hamilton believes that even if they don’t succeed next year, they will eventually return to their winning ways.
More about Lewis Hamilton Contract Renewal
- Lewis Hamilton’s Official Twitter Announcement
- Formula 1: 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Controversy
- Mercedes F1 Team: Official Press Release on Contract Renewals
- NFL Legend Tom Brady’s Career Retrospective
- Formula 1 Technical Rules Changes for 2022
- George Russell’s Career With Mercedes
- F1 Championships: Historical Records and Stats
- Age and Sports Performance: An Analysis
10 comments
Unfinished business or not, F1’s way too unpredictable these days. Could be anyone’s game. So pumped for the next season!
Tom Brady as an inspiration? That’s kinda cool actually. Different sports, but same levels of commitment and excellence.
Racing beyond 40? That’s the spirit! age is just a number when u have that kinda passion and talent.
Ah, the good ol’ days when Mercedes dominated. I miss 2014-2020, but change is good, right? Let’s see how this plays out.
Hamilton’s right, you can’t change the past. All you can do is rev that engine and speed into the future. Keep racing, Lewis!
New contract, huh? Hope Hamilton got a good deal, especially after that mess in Abu Dhabi last year. still salty bout that one.
George Russell’s a lucky dude, being mentored by Hamilton. He better soak it all up, who knows what’ll happen in a couple of years.
The tech changes in F1 have shaken things up big time. Interesting to see even giants like Mercedes struggle. Adapt or perish, folks.
lol, Hamilton staying for more ‘unfinished business’? Sounds like he can’t accept that Verstappen’s the new king.
Man, Hamilton and Mercedes back together? No surprise there. they’re like PB&J. If anyone can bring Merc back to the top, it’s Lewis.