19 March 2023 , 16:09
1298
0
Lewis Hamilton has insisted he has no plans to leave Mercedes when his current contract expires at the end of the season.
After narrowly missing on an eighth F1 world title in 2021, Hamilton endured a difficult 2022 season as he failed to win a single race and finished sixth. And things have not gone much better so far this season, with Hamilton admitting after qualifying in Saudi Arabia that he is "miserable" with his car.
As a result, there have been suggestions he could quit Mercedes at the end of the season and move to a rival in a bid to win another world title. However, the 38-year-old insisted: "I'm not focused on that — I love this team and I'm so grateful for everyone that's been on this journey with me.
"I don't envisage being anywhere else, I don't see myself quitting. I wouldn't say it's giving me a lot. Been there, done that, got the T-shirt.
"But I am trying to be patient and work with the team to get us to a good place. I couldn't get any more out of the car today but I must keep trying."
Mick Schumacher free to race for McLaren in 2023 after Mercedes deal reached
Hamilton's comments come after Toto Wolff said he was confident the Brit would sign a new deal with Mercedes. However, Wolff also admitted that Mercedes' recent struggles to produce a car capable of challenging for world titles could force Hamilton to explore other options.
Mercedes chief Toto Wolff is hopeful Hamilton will stay (Getty Images)"I don't think that Lewis will leave Mercedes," he said. "He's at the stage of a career where we trust each other, we have formed a great bond among each other and we have no reason to doubt each other, even though this is a difficult spell.
"But so nice it will be when we come out of this valley of tears, and come back to solid performances. As a driver, nevertheless, if he wants to win another championship, he needs to make sure that he has the car.
"And if we cannot demonstrate that we're able to give him a car in the next couple of years, then he needs to look everywhere. I don't think he's doing it at that stage, but I will have no grouch if that happens in a year or two."