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Lewis Hamilton is reportedly working on signing a new contract with Mercedes despite the recent rumours that the Brit could quit Formula 1 at the end of this season or next. The deal that he is currently on expires at the end of the 2018 season, but the three-time world champion is looking to prolong it.
Mercedes' Niki Lauda has denied all the suggestions that Hamilton is nearing retirement from the sport. Speaking to Germany's Sky, Lauda stated that Hamilton would not follow the way of former teammate Nico Rosberg: "I can guarantee you Lewis is not Nico Rosberg."
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Rosberg retired from the sport very unexpectedly last November, only days after claiming his first world champion. Rosberg stated that the one championship was enough and wanted to enjoy other aspects of life. In Hamilton's case, according to Lauda, he will keep on racing.
"Lewis will continue racing. He has an ongoing contract and we are already discussing a new contract for him. Hamilton has asked for that. We are motivated, he is motivated, but it is not yet the time to really negotiate. But quitting is not an option.
"I must admit that I have huge respect for Lewis. He started this season in an incredible way, was trained to the bone and motivated. His qualifying lap in Baku was of unprecedented beauty. He is driving at the top of his ability and no one can beat him."
Fergal Walsh
Azerbaijan Grand Prix
C. Sainz jr
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Replies (4)
Login to replyf1fan0101
Posts: 1,804
Can say I'm surprised, I thought Ham would abandon ship
Wolfgang
Posts: 313
"was trained to the bone"
that was probably why he quitted one day testing in barcelona, that was probably why he sounded completely out of breath in barcelona and that is probably why he leaned his head in Turn 3 always against his headrest in barcelona.
His fitness is nowhere near Rosbergs or Alonsos..
Wolfgang
Posts: 313
Concerning his contract extension: I think he fears Ocon, Wehrlein, Bottas AND Alonso for the eats at Merc. Maybe he has seen Flavio with Toto and Niki in Baku having Dinner.. :-)
-> Why on earth Mr. 3 time World Champion should negotiate NOW for 2019 onwards. This is just astonishing and shows he thinks the top doors (Ferrari/RedBull) are all closed for him..
talktohenry
Posts: 362
I would say this is usual bull, and it's a the other way around, it's Merc who will wan to secure him, but I think Merc won't be here this long, EJ will probably be right, big motor makers like Merc generally come and go, and once they achieved their target they do something else.