At 38, Lewis Hamilton is now the second oldest driver in the Formula 1 field. Nevertheless, even after 16 seasons in the premier class, the seven-time world champion is not thinking of retiring. On the contrary: “There has already been an initial discussion” with Mercedes about a new contract, says team boss Toto Wolff.
“I don’t want to commit to a time frame though [für Verhandlungen, Anm. d. Red.] because that’s not important to him or us at this point. The contract runs for a whole year and we will find the right time,” said Wolff on the sidelines of the W14 presentation.
Hard negotiations between the two parties are not necessary. Hamilton and Wolff have been a successful duo in Brackley since 2013. Together they celebrated six drivers’ titles, eight constructors’ world championships and 82 Grand Prix victories. And it’s not the first time both sides have had talks about an extension.
Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes: contracts not complex
“We’ve had a few contracts like this in the past, and they change only slightly from time to time, so apart from the obvious terms, they’re usually not complex,” Wolff says. And there is not a shadow of a doubt about Hamilton’s abilities either.
At the launch of the 2023 Mercedes, the Brit presented himself in top physical form. And his driving skills are undisputed. Wolff has noticed: “He seems to me to be in great shape, very positive, motivated and full of energy. Maybe the best I’ve seen in ten years after this winter.”
Age doesn’t seem to matter. Hamilton joins the list of great sporting legends who still perform at their best in old age. These include Valentino Rossi in MotoGP, Roger Federer in tennis or Ole Einar Björndalen in biathlon.
Toto Wolff: Tom Brady didn’t stop until he was 45
But Wolff draws the comparison to another superstar: “I think that the age of 38 doesn’t matter for the next contract when you look at how top athletes around the world have pushed the limits. I think of Tom Brady, who is 44 or 45 years old and is on the field.”
“As far as the contract situation is concerned, I think that we have always found good solutions that reflect his value for the team and for the sport,” says the Mercedes team boss optimistically. “And on the other hand, I think Mercedes is where he wants to be. So that was never a moot point.”
Lewis Hamilton signed his last contract with Mercedes in 2021. At that time, a term of two years was agreed, so the contract ends after the 2023 Formula 1 season. After the controversial 2021 final in Abu Dhabi, there were already rumors of Hamilton leaving the premier class.