Hamilton extends Mercedes dealposted in F120 | 05 | 2015
LEWIS HAMILTON HAS confirmed a new three-year contract with Mercedes. The 30-year-old defending Formula One world champ has extended his current contract, announced today on the eve of this weekend's Monaco Grand Prix, till the end of 2018.
The announcement ends months of speculation over his future and whether he would remain with the team beyond the end of this year.
Lewis currently leads the 2015 Formula One World Championship by 20 points from team-mate Nico Rosberg.
“Mercedes is my home and I couldn’t be happier to be staying here for another three years," Hamilton said today. "This is a company filled with real passionate racers, from the board room to the factory floor, and an incredible hunger to win.
"Even after the success of last year, that hunger is greater than ever – and it’s the same for me, too. The Mercedes car I am driving right now is the best I have ever had in my career; it’s just so much fun to be out there every weekend, on the limit and fighting to win at every track.
"Mercedes-Benz began supporting me in 1998 so I am very proud that this contract means I will mark 20 years with Mercedes in 2018.”
Related: Hamilton seals world title
The double world champ started his F1 career in a Mercedes-powered McLaren in 2007, before spending six seasons with the team. After winning the world title in '08, he moved to the works Mercedes team in 2013.
So far in his F1 career, Hamilton has won 36 grands prix, with 15 of those in a Mercedes, and added his second world championship last season with the Brackley-based marque.
Today's announcement was understandably welcomed by Mercedes motorsport boss Toto Wolff.
“Continuity is one of the key factors for delivering success in Formula One and we now have that in place," the Mercedes GP boss admitted.
"Lewis enjoyed an historic World Championship season with Mercedes-Benz last year and it was a priority for this season to renew his contract for the next term. We have taken the right amount of time with the process and not rushed ourselves.
"The result is a strong agreement that will enhance Lewis’ association with the Mercedes-Benz brand, and that recognises and respects the market value of Lewis and of Mercedes in Formula One.
"Lewis’ sporting track record speaks for itself and he is a great personality for the company. Personally, I am looking forward to continuing to race with the strongest driver pairing in Formula One and to more historic achievements together.”
Related: McRae and Meeke win at Knockhill
Keep up-to-date with all the latest news by following us on twitter.com/Scotcars
Jim McGill