The 2023 season has largely been the Max Verstappen show, marked by Red Bull‘s supremacy over the tracks. The Dutch driver has clinched 11 victories out of 13 races, putting him on the verge of breaking Sebastian Vettel’s record for consecutive wins. In stark contrast, Lewis Hamilton hasn’t tasted the top step of the podium since the 2021 Saudi Arabia GP. Though he’s finished in the podium positions this year, the Mercedes W14’s unpredictability has kept him from claiming a victory. But Hamilton has fired a terse, yet loaded, four-word missile. Coming on the heels of an announcement that Hamilton has renewed his contract with Mercedes, the message seems to be a calculated warning.
Amid the racing fervor and the incessant speculations about Hamilton’s future in F1, the announcement of a renewed contract on 31st August resonated like a thunderclap. Hamilton’s renewed contract with Mercedes, securing his presence until the close of 2025, provided a definitive answer to the swirling rumors. Mercedes posted the big news on their ‘mercedesamgf1’ Instagram page, captioning it: “Still. We. Rise. ✊ Lewis will continue his historic relationship with the Team! 🤩“, underscoring the partnership’s enduring commitment to excellence.
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Today’s announcement serves as more than just a career update for Hamilton; it is a statement of intent. Hamilton’s Instagram post—those crucial four words—echoes a sentiment that has always been part of his competitive DNA. “Our story isn’t finished” is not just a vow to Mercedes or a nod to his fans, it’s a warning to Max Verstappen and any rival that thinks they’ve finally edged him out. As he strengthens his terms with Mercedes through 2025, Hamilton makes it abundantly clear: he’s not done fighting for his legacy.
While Verstappen may be dominating the current F1 narrative, Hamilton’s newly inked contract and defiant message indicate that the British driver is far from surrendering the limelight. His resolve to continue with Mercedes for another two years gives him ample runway to strike back and redraw the contours of what has been a Verstappen-centric season.
Lewis Hamilton’s hunger to win
Hamilton’s decision to stay with Mercedes is a major boost for the team, as he is still one of the fastest drivers on the grid. He will be hoping to add to his record-breaking tally of world championships in the coming years. In his statement announcing the contract extension, Hamilton said “We have never been hungrier to win.” He further adds “We have learnt from every success but also every setback. We continue to chase our dreams, we continue to fight no matter the challenge and we will win again.”
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Lewis Hamilton’s statement on contract extension #lewis #hamilton #lewishamilton #italiangp #mercedesamgf1 pic.twitter.com/9GBCmlrdrb
— _Njookey (@_Njookey) August 31, 2023
Hamilton’s hunger for success is evident in his statement. He is not content with just being a seven-time world champion, and he is determined to add to his tally. This will be a major challenge, as he will face stiff competition from Max Verstappen and with Mercedes also looking to bounce back from a disappointing season, the stage is set for an exciting rivalry between Hamilton and Verstappen.
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What are your thoughts about Hamilton’s contract extension?
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