The news of Lewis Hamilton’s extended contract with Mercedes took the grid by storm in Austria. Although the news was expected, the timing of the announcement so early into the season turned many heads towards Mercedes. the contract assures Lewis Hamilton a seat with the silver Arrows till the end of the 2023 season- making it 11 years with the team.

Looking back at the last eight years, Toto Wolff and Lewis Hamilton sat down and took a trip down memory lane. They looked back at their friend Niki Lauda and the role he played in Hamilton’s journey with Mercedes.

Hamilton’s lifestyle as a driver was aberrant to that of normal drivers. In 2018, Hamilton was traveling a lot before the race because he collaborated with Tommy Hilfiger.

Toto mentions that Hamilton’s race in Singapore in 2018 made Niki realize that he “functions differently than me [Niki]”. 

Hamilton laughs, saying, “It was a lot of pressure though, because if it didn’t go well…” Hamilton implies the criticism he would have faced from the three-time world champion.

Toto mentions Lauda was “always a fan” of the Knight and the duo concludes he would be proud of where they are now.

Hamilton-Lauda’s gift to Mercedes

Niki Lauda lured Hamilton into joining Mercedes back in 2012. That’s when their friendship began, and it’s also one of Hamilton’s fondest memories of the F1 legend.

Having lost his mentor in 2019, Hamilton attributes his success in the sport to the Austrian driver. If things had gone differently, and Hamilton stayed with McLaren, he probably wouldn’t be the 7-time world champion he is today.

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He once said about Lauda, “I am grateful for the opportunity and forever love Niki. I know he is with us every race in spirit.”

It’s no doubt that Niki Lauda played a massive role in Mercedes’ journey. Not only did he give them their star driver, but also constantly pushed them to be better. “He was always thinking about how we can improve,” says Hamilton.

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In the end, Hamilton is right to assume that he would be proud of the team. They have achieved so much and are at the top of their game.

As Toto Wolff promises, they have unfinished business. The contract only solidifies Mercedes’ place as a constructor and as a benchmark of greatness for the rest of the grid.

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