Lewis Hamilton has revealed that his focus has become a single-minded approach after his new two-year contract with Mercedes.
The seven-time world champion inked his latest contract ahead of the Austrian Grand Prix. This ensures a seat for him with the outfit till 2023.
With the contract issue settled early in the season, the mental pressure on Hamilton has reduced drastically.
What did Hamilton say?
“It was a lot smoother than it was in December and January,” said Hamilton.
“I had a lot on over Christmas and New Year, it was a stressful period, and naturally we were doing it over Zoom, which is not always the most productive when you’re having these conversations.
“This one was much easier. Toto [Wolff] and I spent a lot more time together face to face.
“The past contract was potentially going to be a two-year deal and I asked for it to be one year because we’d been through a pandemic and there was so much change in the world. Also, I wasn’t sure whether I would continue or not.
“But I started off the year and had the best and most enjoyable start of the year, I’m enjoying the rollercoaster ride we’re having, and the best thing has been to get this done before the summer break.
“So now we can just focus on being the best team we can be,” he said.
Hamiton looking forward to the future
The Brit’s biggest downside is that the contract signing took place during Mercedes’ worst performance this season since the dawn of the turbo-hybrid era.
This comes after Mercedes lost five successive races to Red Bull and Max Verstappen dominating the races.
The contract has reduced the pressure on both the team and the driver. However, Hamilton has denied him being under any pressure.
“It doesn’t change the pressure for me,” said the 36-year old.
“I always bet on myself. When I do these deals, it’s not like ‘What if I don’t perform?’ I know I’m going to perform because I know how to do that and the work I need to do in order to be able to perform.”
Hamilton on Mercedes contract
When it comes to Mercedes, Hamilton said: “Probably for the longevity of the team, for confidence, all those things, it’s important these things get done as quick as they can.
“We had already said we wanted to continue together, we’ve an amazing relationship, an amazing group of partners, it’s exciting to see what Mercedes is doing, the support they’ve given me during this period, turning our car back for a second year in a row, and really pushing for a more inclusive and diverse environment.
“It’s amazing the journey we’ve had and a new part of the journey we’ve started. For sure, several years ago, I could only have dreamed of being in this position, and I’m excited for what that can be,” he concluded.
Hamilton and Co. will have to drastically improve their performance if they want to regain their post position in both the driver’s and constructor’s standings.
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