Lewis Hamilton revealed he is devising a plan regarding his future with Mercedes and Formula 1 as his tenth season with the team nears conclusion.
Hamilton is on his tenth season with Mercedes, and following a huge run of success securing six Formula 1 Drivers’ Titles and eight Constructors’ Titles, the Briton feels his relationship with his team has developed into a mission to make the world better.
Furthermore, Hamilton has been clear as well as Mercedes, that they plan to extend their collaboration beyond 2022 as the seven-time F1 Champion has no plans to slow down, instead he feels better than ever.
“In terms of my physical wellbeing, I feel the best I’ve physically ever been because I’ve been really focused on that as you get older,” he told F1’s official website.
“I’m generally loving driving so I’m working on a plan. I can’t tell you what that is just yet, but there is no limit to what we can do,” he revealed.
Hamilton has been recently focused on initiatives that promote equality in and out of the sport as well as being a staunch fighter against racism, and he values the freedom and support Mercedes have provided him.
Hamilton can be himself at Mercedes
“I want to be creative and continue to do all the other things I get to do,” he said. “I get to be myself at this team – and the support from Mercedes has been incredible since day one.
“Together, it’s not just about winning, we can be part of the many people in the world that are trying to change the world for the better – and that’s what we can try and do together, as it’s a huge brand that can have a huge influence on the world,” he explained.
It’s not the first time Hamilton speaks fondly about his boss at Mercedes, Toto Wolff; he pointed out: “Toto is one of my best friends. We’ve had tough, tough times, we’ve had tough negotiations, there’s been emotional bursts, a rollercoaster of emotions together over the years, but we’re like family. I want what’s best for him. He wants what is best for me.
“We always can jump on the phone and talk about whatever that is. Our values are aligned and our goals are aligned – in the brand, in helping this team grow and what it wants to achieve,” the Briton revealed.
George Russell knew what to expect when joining
Hamilton welcomed a new teammate at the start of 2022, young gun George Russell, who replaced Valtteri Bottas the best wingman Hamilton could ask for.
Hamilton spoke of Russell’s arrival; he said: “In terms of George joining, he was one of the younger drivers [here] – he would sit behind in debriefs and engineering so he knows the process, and the lay of the land here.
“He comes in and slots in, he knows what to expect,” he added. “And from my side, I’ve just tried to be as welcoming and include him – trying to communicate a lot about the car, what can I test, what can you test to get us to point A?
“I just try to work with him as I did with Valtteri. When you add new people, it takes time to all get into the rhythm, but I think he’s done an amazing job.
“We got into a decent rhythm quite early on, and we’re continuing to work out any kinks there to continue to be on that rhythm,” Hamilton maintained.