MERCEDES group principal Toto Wolff has mentioned the group are “100 per cent dedicated” to holding Lewis Hamilton.
Wolff additionally expects to see the previous world champion chase a document eighth Method One title subsequent yr.
Lewis Hamilton is at present having fun with some down time earlier than the Miami GP this weekendCredit score: Getty
Toto Wolff needs Hamilton to remain past this yr
This affirmation of dedication to Hamilton comes as rumours are flying across the F1 paddock.
There are even some options that Hamilton may maybe stroll away from the game altogether.
Nonetheless, these have been denied by the Brit.
There has additionally been hypothesis that Mercedes will make a transfer to steal Charles Leclerc from Ferrari.
Certainly, gossip emerged that Leclerc and Hamilton may swap locations subsequent yr.
Nonetheless, these have additionally been put to mattress.
Ferrari are at present in a greater place than Mercedes automobile clever, and so Leclerc will stay “absolutely dedicated” to the Italian group.
The Ferrari poster-boy took his first pole of the season with a powerful efficiency within the new qualifying format on the Azerbaijan Grand Prix final weekend.
When requested about Leclerc, Wolff mentioned: “I feel he’s 100 per cent dedicated and constant to Ferrari and it’s his contract.
“And in the identical means we’re 100 per cent dedicated to placing pen to paper with Lewis.”
Wolff added that no conversations had taken place between Mercedes and Ferrari.
When pressed on the topic, the Austrian govt responded that the press ‘need that headline’.
Hamilton can be 39 subsequent yr and has not received a race for the reason that December 2021 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.
His group have since fallen behind the dominant Crimson Bull.
The seven-time world champion’s contract with Mercedes is about to run out on the finish of the season, however Wolff has now not directly declared that the group will supply him an extension.
Discussions about subsequent yr will possible come right down to Mercedes’ means to supply Hamilton with a automobile able to actually difficult the Crimson Bull drivers.
The Mercedes boss added to formula1.com: “That’s what it appears like in the intervening time, and we simply want to offer him a automobile that may try this.
“And hopefully we are able to get our bundle to a successful bundle this season and have one thing that may carry him his eighth title, and little doubt he’s motivated to realize this.
“That’s one thing he needs to do, that’s his means, now we have an ideal relationship personally.
“And with the group he’s been a robust pillar during the last 10 years, so we’re in a extremely good place”.