World champion Hamilton signs Mercedes deal ahead of Monaco Grand Prix
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Reigning Formula 1 champion Lewis Hamilton has committed his long-term future to Mercedes ahead of the upcoming Monaco Grand Prix, signing a new three-year deal with his current constructor.
The British two-time world champion will go into the next race in the south of France, a location where Hamilton has made his home in recent seasons, as the odds-on 10/11 favourite with Coral to claim yet another victory, and he is hungry for more success following his new deal.
“This is a company filled with real passionate racers, from the board room to the factory floor, and an incredible hunger to win,” stated Hamilton.
CONFIRMED: 3 more years for @LewisHamilton! “@MercedesBenz is my home” #3MoreYears pic.twitter.com/PAmAWudo2v
— MERCEDES AMG F1 (@MercedesAMGF1) May 20, 2015
“Even after the success of last year, that hunger is greater than ever – and it’s the same for me, too.
“The Mercedes car I am driving right now is the best I have ever had in my career – it’s just so much fun to be out there every weekend, on the limit and fighting to win at every track.
“Mercedes began supporting me in 1998 so I am very proud that this contract means I will mark 20 years with Mercedes in 2018.”
Hamilton’s new deal is deserved after such a sensational world championship triumph last season, with his career records evidently speaking for themselves. The historic British driver has secured an incredible 75 career podium finishes, including 36 wins, and has earned 42 pole positions, impressively placing him fourth highest in the all-time rankings.
On my way to work! #MonacoGP pic.twitter.com/R18UZVJJG2
— Lewis Hamilton (@LewisHamilton) May 20, 2015
Mercedes were obviously keen to tie up the world champion on a new contract and continue such a prolific partnership, with team boss Toto Wolff claiming it was a priority to secure Hamilton’s future this year.
“Continuity is one of the key factors for delivering success in Formula One and we now have that in place,” declared Wolff.
“Lewis enjoyed a historic world championship season with Mercedes-Benz last year and it was a priority for this season to renew his contract for the next term.”
With 36 career victories, Hamilton is the most successful British driver in the history of Formula One, and having captured 21 ever wins from a pole position, he is behind only legendary drivers Michael Schumacher, Ayrton Senna and Sebastian Vettel (9/1 to win) who have claimed more form a leading place in the grid.
Despite heading to Monte Carlo with 20-point lead after just five races, Hamilton faces stern competition in the form of teammate Nico Rosberg, who is 15/8 to accumulate the fastest lap, while fellow Briton Jenson Button is 13/2 for a top six finish in the glitz of Monaco’s famous track.
