The improved results in Spain sparked new optimism in Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes. Credit: Getty Images/Burak Akbulut
Lewis Hamilton will attempt to discuss a new deal with Mercedes director Toto Wolf on Monday after praising the team after resurrecting a double podium finish at the Spanish Grand Prix.
The seven-time world champion, who had previously been linked with a move to Ferrari, also turned down offers to retire as he expressed his desire to challenge again for another world title.
The all-conquering Red Bull Max Verstappen recorded a dominant fifth win on Sunday, but Hamilton and George Russell finished second and third on a day of renewed optimism for the once mighty team.
Hamilton started fourth but finished second. up as teammate Russell finishes the podium on a strong day for the Silver Arrows.
Rumors have swirled for weeks about whether this could be Hamilton's last season at Mercedes. When asked if he was ready to sign a new contract, he said: “I haven't signed anything yet, but we're meeting with Toto [Wolf, team principal] tomorrow [Monday], so hopefully we can do something.” .
When asked if he hinted that he would now sign, he added: “It was not a subtle hint. We had so many meetings. And this is our next meeting. You can see that my performance is not affected. But it's always in the back of your mind, so once it's done, you can focus more on the future.”
Verstappen's title lead is now 53 points, with a week left until the next round in Canada on June 18th. He drove all 66 laps at the Circuit de Catalunya in Barcelona, recording his fifth victory in the first seven rounds.
It has been 29 races since Hamilton lost to Verstappen in the controversial 2021 season finale in Abu Dhabi, and since then the record holder has not won a single race.
But after his team revitalized, he seems to see the potential for another title. “I want to continue as long as possible,” said Hamilton, sitting next to Verstappen. “But I want to be where he is [Verstappen], or at least race with him, and I'm very focused on getting to that point. There's a long way to go, but there's time.”
38-year-old Hamilton remains sixth overall but says he's still “hungry” for the competition like never before. “My hunger never changed,” he added. “I am in a great place in my life and I am really happy where I am in my life. I have all the ducks in a row so I can concentrate. I have a great team around me, on and off the track. I feel fit and healthy and it was a very good race for me.”
Sergio Pérez finished fourth, ahead of Ferrari's Carlos Sainz with a dozen laps to go. “To drive such a machine is a great pleasure,” Verstappen later said. “Today I showed it again. Winning here is incredible. I had another good weekend and this is what I like and hopefully we can keep it up throughout the year.”
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