Everyone on the paddock has one topic of discussion: Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes’ extended contract. With two more years added to his stay with the team, Hamilton and the Silver Arrows’ association will total eleven long years. Given how early it still is and how long it took the two parties to finalize a deal for this year, the news created shock waves across the F1 world.

This is Hamilton’s second contract with Mercedes in six months as he signed the 2021 contract weeks before the ongoing season began. Natalie Pinkham from Sky sports discusses this with British racer Paul di Resta. Paul went on to say, “Mercedes need Lewis as much as Lewis needs Mercedes.”

The timing of the contract is also something playing on people’s minds – why so early? di Resta believes, “Formula 1 has gone through a massive change… when you get together at some point, some conversations are easier than others, that’s why I think it’s such a positive thing that’s happened so early”.

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Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes – the perfect love story

Out of his seven titles, Hamilton has won six with Mercedes. In his Instagram announcement, Hamilton wore a t-shirt with the word ‘loyalty’ written across it. Nothing explains his relationship with the team more.

Hamilton also says, “We’ve accomplished so much together but we still have a lot to do, both on and off-track.” Nine years is a long time, and the team and the driver have accomplished so much in this time. He is fiercely loyal to the team, with whom he has celebrated so many accomplishments, and many more to come.

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