Lewis Hamilton has revealed how the dream of returning to winning ways with Mercedes in Formula 1 is the main motivation behind his desire to remain in the sport.
Hamilton is statistically the most decorated driver in F1 history, having accrued an equal-best seven World Championships and a record 103 race wins and 104 pole positions.
However, amid the troubles Mercedes has encountered under the current ground effect regulations, the Briton has ended the past two campaigns without recording a victory.
Despite speculation surrounding his future through the early stages of 2023, Hamilton signed a two-year deal with Mercedes that covers the remainder of this rules cycle.
Hamilton detailed how wanting to experience sharing the emotions of success with his team once again was a key driving force behind his decision to pen a new contract.
“It’s the dream of standing on the top step, seeing your team,” he said when questioned on the reasons for preserving his F1 stay.
“One of the most amazing things is being able to look back and having the flag of the nation rising behind you and seeing the team.
“I remember the first win I had with this team [2013 Hungarian Grand Prix]. I have a particular picture of 2015 in Australia with the [team] down there in tears, it was just amazing to be a part of that.
“The power of that is a huge part of the drive. Winning the World Championship is a huge part of the drive. Continuing to build with the team on the impact work we’re doing and continuing to push with the team with Mission 44.
“I don’t know how far that can go and I’m trying to expand it and that means I’ve got to raise more money.”
Following a breakthrough victory at the end of 2022, Mercedes had opted to retain faith in its ‘zeropod’ aerodynamic philosophy that it had run since the start of the latest era.
But while it reverted to a more conventional bodywork solution midway through last year, the Brackley squad remained hindered by the chassis of its launch-spec W14 challenger.
Mercedes is pursuing a revised concept with its 2024 car as it bids to recapture former glories, leaving Hamilton enthralled about the prospect of aiding the team’s recovery.
“When I moved [in 2013], there was an excitement,” he explained. “We expected it to be rubbish to start off with, because they hadn’t had a lot of success, so this there was just raw excitement.
“I was a new person on the team, getting into the nitty-gritty with everyone and building relationships. That was a different kind of excitement.
“Now, we have known each other for years and we have great relationships throughout. So, I think it is interesting also from the outside, just looking at everyone and how they are handling the time.
“I think people who are watching don’t appreciate for everyone, they are away from their homes and their families for so long, missing special dates with kids and all sorts.
“You see people’s energy levels go up and down and you try to fill in the voids when there is one, and the same vice versa. That’s what a team does.”
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