Lewis Hamilton will remain a Mercedes driver until at least 2018 after confirming he and the German manufacturer have agreed a new three-year contract.
The Briton’s future has been the topic of much speculation following prolonged negotiations, leading to some media outlets reporting he could leave Mercedes for Ferrari.
However the two-time champion put to bed such rumours with the announcement of a new deal in Monaco on Wednesday, as previously reported by Grand Prix Times.
“Mercedes is my home and I couldn’t be happier to be staying here for another three years,” said the 30-year-old.
“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.”
Hamilton has won 36 victories during his F1 career, 15 of those with Mercedes. He also secured his second title with the team and is course to challenge for a third this year as he currently leads the standings by 20 points to team-mate Nico Rosberg.
Mercedes motorsport boss Toto Wolff played down the length of time it’s taken to agree a new deal and welcomed the continuity of having Hamilton and Rosberg confirmed for the next few years.
“Continuity is one of the key factors for delivering success in Formula One and we now have that in place,” he added. “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.”
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