Major updates on Lewis Hamilton's Mercedes contract extension

The seven-time World Champion is out of contract at the end of this season

With the expiration of Lewis Hamilton’s tenure at Mercedes on the horizon, enthusiasts had been eagerly anticipating news of his next endeavour. Yet, in a significant twist regarding his contract, Hamilton seems to be planning to prolong his affiliation with the Formula 1 powerhouse, Mercedes.

However, this agreement is verbal and is yet to be finalized through a signed formalized agreement. But, both Hamilton and Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff have remained resolute in their assertions that an extension to their partnership would be reached, even if the formal agreement has yet to be finalized.

Lewis Hamilton turns down Ferrari’s offer 

Lewis Hamilton has batted away rumours linking him with a switch to Ferrari after “politely” declining Ferrari’s offer.

According to a recent blog, Lewis Hamilton had been contacted personally by Ferrari president John Elkann, to which Hamilton politely replied ‘No thanks’. But according to the Auto Motor und Sport, Elkann isn’t the only Ferrari team member to have approached Hamilton about a seat in red.

Meanwhile, other rumours have also circulated about Ferrari team boss Fred Vasseur approaching Lewis Hamilton. However, akin to the situation with Elkann, the British driver declined that proposition too.

The Hunger for the “record eighth title”

It is no secret that Red Bull has been dominating the 2023 F1 season, heading towards a third title in a row for Max Verstappen. But Mercedes have been struggling to compete with the Bulls over the last two years.

Due to this Lewis Hamilton has been failing to win a single Grand Prix since 2021. However, this time Hamilton appears to be hungry as ever to win his eighth title to surpass Michael Schumacher at the top of the all-time title standings.

This puts Mercedes in a situation where they are under increasing pressure to end their two-year nightmare to deliver him a car capable of competing, as the Briton believes he still has what it takes to win a record eighth World Championship.

As reported on the official F1 website, both Hamilton and Mercedes’ head Toto Wolff remain unfazed by the time it’s taking to finalize the new agreement. Both parties affirm that financial terms and contract duration have been settled.

Additionally, Wolff has admitted that only “trivial things need to be cleaned up” before the contract is signed off.

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