Seven-time Formula One world champion insists he remains committed to Mercedes after Damon Hill and Jenson Button suggested he might be considering retiring from the sport.
The 38-year-old’s contract with the Brackley-based team expires at the end of the year and there is no indication he will be signing anytime soon.
The former McLaren driver had a torrid 2022, where he failed to win a race for the first time in his career, and Button and Hill are of the view that he has not signed a fresh deal because he is looking to see how competitive Mercedes will be this year before making a decision.
Hamilton has, however, stressed he is in no rush to put pen to paper on a new deal.
“People creating rumours without facts is never helpful,” he said ahead of the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix this weekend. “You’d have thought they’d both know me by now.
“I’ve been with Mercedes since I was 13. I had a difficult year last year and I’m still here. Should I have a difficult year this year, I’ll still be here. I’m a fighter and we fight as a team. I love the challenge.
“Of course, I wish to be starting the season with a great car but it’s the journey I think that really counts.
“There is no hold up with our contract, I’ve always been very, very relaxed and don’t feel like I need to get it done right this second.
“I have a great relationship with Toto and Mercedes and we fully support each other. I’m really excited about the future together and the work we’re doing on and off the track.”
2013 ➡ 2023.
Year 11 with LH. ???????? pic.twitter.com/FDeE0VdrYW
— Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@MercedesAMGF1) March 1, 2023
Mercedes head into the Bahrain Grand Prix with pessimism after their mixed form in pre-season testing where Hamilton had balance issues with the W14 car and his teammate George Russell suffered mechanical failures.
