Lewis Hamilton insists Mercedes is “hungrier than ever" to succeed in Formula 1 after pledging his future with the manufacturer until at least 2020.
Hamilton has been affiliated with Mercedes for the bulk of his racing career, having used its engines during his six years at McLaren, before joining the marque’s Formula 1 team for 2013.
Hamilton’s contract was set to come to an end at the conclusion of the current campaign but he had been widely expected to extend his stay with the team.
On Thursday Mercedes confirmed that a new two-year deal had been agreed between the parties, meaning Hamilton will remain part of its plans through until at least 2020.
Hamilton stressed that extending his contract was straightforward, and emphasised that Mercedes remains determined to prolong its successful spell in the championship, having taken four straight double titles in the hybrid era.
“This contract extension has basically been a formality since Toto [Wolff] and I sat down during the winter,” he said.
“So it's good to put pen to paper, announce it and then get on with business as usual.
“I have been part of the Mercedes racing family for 20 years and I have never been happier inside a team than I am right now.
“We are on the same wavelength both on and off track – and I am looking forward to winning more in the future and shining even more light on the three-pointed star.
“I'm very confident that Mercedes is the right place to be over the coming years."
“Although we have enjoyed so much success together since 2013, Mercedes is hungrier than ever – from Dr Zetsche and the board members at the top of Daimler, through Toto and the team management, to every single person I meet in the corridors of Brixworth and Brackley."
“The competitive passion that burns bright inside me is shared by every single member of this group – always chasing the next improvement and digging even deeper to make sure we come out on top.
“I can't wait to see what we can achieve together in the next two-and-a-half seasons.”
Hamilton's contract brings him in line with Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen, whose contracts with Ferrari and Red Bull respectively run until 2020.
