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Hamilton: 'I’ll support Mercedes whichever way they go'

Lewis Hamilton says he'll support Mercedes' decision regarding its 2022 driver line-up "whichever way they go", but the Briton insists his working relationship with Valtteri Bottas is "better than ever".

Mercedes is expected to make a call in the coming weeks on its 2022 line-up, with either incumbent Bottas or Williams' George Russell set to race alongside Hamilton next season.

Ahead of this weekend's Belgian Grand Prix, Hamilton said that he had spoken to team boss Toto Wolff about its plans for next year, but the seven-time world champion – who has often praised Bottas' contribution to Mercedes' success - vowed to support the Brackley squad's call regardless of who it confirms in the plum seat for 2022.

©Mercedes

"I’ve obviously been vocal in the past of my loyalty to Valtteri, and worked incredibly closely with him," Hamilton said. "I think our working relationship is better than ever.

"Toto’s a great leader, and as I’ve said in the past, we always stay connected. Of course, we talk about these things.

"And naturally, we’re all part of the same team, we want what’s best for the team moving forwards, we want to win more championships, and so we just have conversations.

"At the end of the day, it’s just down to him [Wolff] and the board at Mercedes to make that decision. I’m a part of the team so I’ll support them whichever way they go, naturally.

"But yeah, I’m just at the moment trying to put all of my energy into doing the best I can this season."

Read also: Russell and Bottas tight-lipped on Mercedes 2022 prospects

Hamilton will resume his title charge in Belgium with an 8-point lead over Red Bull's Max Verstappen.

While the general perception in the F1 paddock is that Red Bull currently has a better car, Hamilton said that Mercedes made a clear step forward in the last two races thanks to the aero update introduced by the team at Silverstone.

"We've definitely upped our game," Hamilton said. "We’ve also, even just during this break, in terms of taking time to reflect on looking at where we've been and where we're going

"I have no doubts that we will take another step forward in our processes and how we apply ourselves. It's been a real positive thing to see."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.