Under contract until the end of 2023, seven-time Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton intends to sign a "
multi
-year " contract with Mercedes, he confirmed on Thursday on the sidelines of the Mexico Grand Prix.
To discover
Formula 1: the calendar for the 2022 season
Formula 1: manufacturers' classification
Formula 1: drivers classification
"
I haven't set myself a limit, to be honest
," he explained during a press briefing, adding that he had "
planned to sign a multi-year contract with (his) team
".
"
I really don't know what the next five years will be like... We're still working on that
," he continued.
The Briton, now 37, had previously said he had no intention of racing past the age of 40.
He now explains that his projects on the sidelines of F1, in particular his Mission 44 foundation, which aims to help young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, represent an additional impetus to stay in the sport.
"
I don't feel old, I feel young and fit
," he also said, saying he wanted to "
take the team to more
world titles".
“
Afterwards, I don't know... If Fernando (Alonso, 41) leaves, I should think twice about it because then I would be the oldest driver!
“, he joked.
After the disappointment of the title lost at the last GP of 2021 against Max Verstappen, Hamilton lives in 2022 his worst season, in 6th place in the world.
He has yet to win a race this year with only three rounds remaining, in Mexico on Sunday then in Brazil and Abu Dhabi in November.
Co-record holder of titles with the German Michael Schumacher, Hamilton therefore gives himself time to achieve being, alone, at the top of the pantheon of Formula 1 with eight coronations.