Reigning World Champion Lewis Hamilton will continue to race for Mercedes through at least the 2023 Formula 1 season, the outfit announced on Saturday.
Hamilton joined Mercedes from McLaren in 2013 and has won six titles in the last seven years with the manufacturer.
Hamilton only signed a one-year extension to cover 2021 in early February but on Saturday a fresh deal, covering 2022 and 2023, was announced by the respective parties.
The deal means Hamilton, who will be 38 by the time his new contract expires, will have raced for Mercedes for 11 successive seasons.
“It is hard to believe it’s been nearly nine years working with this incredible team and I’m excited we’re going to continue our partnership for two more years,” said Hamilton.
“We’ve accomplished so much together but we still have a lot to achieve, both on and off the track.
“I’m incredibly proud and grateful of how Mercedes has supported me in my drive to improve diversity and equality in our sport.
“They have held themselves accountable and made important strides in creating a more diverse team and inclusive environment.
“Thank you to all the dedicated and talented individuals at Mercedes whose hard work makes it all possible and the Board for their continued trust in me.
“We’re entering a new era of car which will be challenging and exciting and I can’t wait to see what else we can achieve together.”
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff conveyed the importance of finalising the new deal early in the season, after the nature of the protracted talks for 2021.
“As we enter a new era of F1 from 2022 onwards, there can be no better driver to have in our team than Lewis,” said Wolff.
“His achievements in this sport speak for themselves, and with his experience, speed and race-craft, he is at the peak of his powers.
“We are relishing the battle we have on our hands this year – and that’s why we also wanted to agree this contract early, so we have no distractions from the competition on track.
“I have always said that as long as Lewis still possesses the fire for racing, he can continue as long as he wants.”
