Toto Wolff is "absolutely" confident that Lewis Hamilton will extend his stay in F1 amid plans to discuss the Briton's contract over the winter break. Hamilton will enter into his 11th season with Mercedes in 2023, with his current deal set to expire at the end of the season. While the events of the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix sparked speculation over his future in the sport, Hamilton has made it clear that he is keen to continue beyond the next campaign, having previously suggested that he is hoping for a multi-year contract with the Silver Arrows . Formula 1 might currently be on its winter break but Wolff admits that he has a range of tasks to address ahead of the 2023 season, with one of them being Hamilton's next deal.
Wolff gives update on Hamilton contract plans
"The job list is pretty long in what's needed to be done [before 2023]," Wolff told the Beyond The Grid podcast. "But certainly Lewis' contract is one of the topics that we will tackle over the winter, but there is no firm deadline." When asked if he is confident that Hamilton will re-sign, Wolff responded: "Absolutely. "Lewis is part of the team and the team is part of Lewis, [so there is] no reason to not continue."
Hamilton remains 'extremely driven', says Wolff
The 2022 F1 season proved to be a difficult one for Mercedes and Hamilton, with it marking the first year that Hamilton has not achieved a win in his Formula 1 career. This has not dented the seven-time World Champion's desire to compete, according to Wolff. "I think one of his strengths is that he's always hungry," Wolff explained. "He's always eager. He is a great sportsman, but he's also someone that's extremely driven and determined."
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