Hamilton set to stay on in F1® as Wolff compares Mercedes star to Brady
Thursday, 16 February 2023
Lewis Hamilton could be Formula 1®'s equivalent of Tom Brady by racing into his 40s, according to Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff.
Hamilton, a seven-time world champion, endured a disappointing 2022 campaign in which he failed to win a race during a season for the first time in his career.
At 38-years-old, Hamilton's contract is due to expire at the end of the 2023 season, but Wolff feels Hamilton could view the longevity of NFL star Brady as inspiration to continue racing beyond that deal.
Brady retired at the age of 45 this month, bringing an end to a stunning career that saw him win seven Super Bowl championships, with three of those coming after he turned 39.
Wolff believes Hamilton can follow Brady's example, telling reporters: "His age, 38, plays no role for this next contract.
"If you look at how well top athletes have pushed the boundaries - I'm thinking about Tom Brady, still throwing the ball at age 44, 45 - the age plays no role."
Wolff is confident Hamilton will pen a new deal soon, explaining: "In terms of the contractual situation, we have always found good solutions and for the other side, Mercedes are the place he wants to be.
"These things have never been contentious. Nothing is dragging on. The alignment is there. This will be a journey that will continue."
Hamilton echoed his principal's confidence on a fresh deal, and added his decision would not hinge on whether Mercedes can provide a car capable of competing against the likes of Red Bull and Ferrari in the new season.
"I am planning to stay a little bit longer," Hamilton said. "I don't feel like I need [the team] to prove [anything] to me. We have proved time and time again over the years that we have strength in depth. You don't lose that ability.
"We are continuing to try and improve our processes, there is the best harmony in the team I have seen these years.
"We have a real fresh group of engineers in the team. It is an exciting time and I don't plan on being anywhere else."
Hamilton also vowed to continue to be vocal on key issues in the face of the FIA's update to its International Sporting Code, in which Formula 1® drivers will be required to obtain prior written permission to make "political statements".
Hamilton has previously competed in a rainbow pride helmet in races in the Middle East, while he also wore a T-shirt at the 2020 Tuscan Grand Prix protesting against the death of American Breonna Taylor.
He says he will continue to make a stand on political issues despite the FIA's rule change, stating: "Nothing will stop me from speaking on the things I am passionate about.
"The sport has a responsibility to speak out and create awareness on important topics, particularly as we are travelling to different places. So nothing changes.
"It would be silly to say I would want to get penalty points for speaking out on things but I am still going to be speaking my mind."
Dream Team. 🤩 pic.twitter.com/b5isiGeuVJ
— Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@MercedesAMGF1) February 15, 2023
