Mercedes and Hamilton agree two-year contract extension!

Mercedes and Lewis Hamilton will race on together next season and in 2023 after the two parties agreed to extend their massively successful collaboration.

The new deal, which has come at a surprisingly early date in the season, puts an end to the speculation regarding Hamilton's future in the sport.

The 36-year-old will therefore enjoy Formula 1's wholesale technical regulation changes next year that will hopefully ushed in a new era for Grand Prix racing.

"It is hard to believe it’s been nearly nine years working with this incredible team and I’m excited we’re going to continue our partnership for two more years," said Hamilton.

"We’ve accomplished so much together but we still have a lot to achieve, both on and off the track.

"I’m incredibly proud and grateful of how Mercedes has supported me in my drive to improve diversity and equality in our sport.

"They have held themselves accountable and made important strides in creating a more diverse team and inclusive environment.

"Thank you to all the dedicated and talented individuals at Mercedes whose hard work makes it all possible and the Board for their continued trust in me.

"We’re entering a new era of car which will be challenging and exciting and I can’t wait to see what else we can achieve together."

• Read also - Allison: Bottas 'worthy of his place' at Mercedes

Hamilton's confirmation may will provide a timely boost to teammate Valtteri Bottas' chances of retaining his seat with the Brackley squad, as the Briton who qualified the Finn as "the best teammate ever" is eager to preserve the team's harmony.

"As we enter a new era of F1 from 2022 onwards, there can be no better driver to have in our team than Lewis," said team boss toto Wolff.

"His achievements in this sport speak for themselves, and with his experience, speed and race-craft, he is at the peak of his powers.

"We are relishing the battle we have on our hands this year – and that’s why we also wanted to agree this contract early, so we have no distractions from the competition on track.

"I have always said that as long as Lewis still possesses the fire for racing, he can continue as long as he wants."