Lewis Hamilton signs new two-year F1 deal with Mercedes

Hamilton’s two-year contract extension will see him contest his 10th and 11th seasons with the Brackley-based team and continue into F1’s new era of regulations starting from 2022.

The seven-time world champion made it clear he intended to remain in F1 with Mercedes and had hoped to tie-up a new deal before the summer to avoid a repeat of the prolonged contract negotiations seen last year.

Following a number of delays, contract talks between Hamilton and Mercedes extended over the winter and into this year, before the Briton agreed a one-year extension to cover the 2021 season in February.

Hamilton has amassed 77 race victories and 74 pole positions since joining Mercedes from McLaren in 2013 and is aiming to win a record-breaking eighth world championship this year.

"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,” Hamilton said.

"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.”

Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff said there is no better driver than Hamilton to have entering F1’s rules revolution in 2022 and explained both parties were keen to finalise a renewal quickly in order to focus on their title battle with Red Bull.

"As we enter a new era of F1 from 2022 onwards, there can be no better driver to have in our team than Lewis,” he said.

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

“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.”

Attention will now turn to who will partner Hamilton at Mercedes, with Wolff weighing up whether to retain Valtteri Bottas or replace the Finn with current Williams driver George Russell.