Hamilton: 'I plan on staying with Mercedes for the rest of my life'

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Lewis Hamilton's career in Formula 1 won't last forever, but the seven-time world champion says he "definitely" plans on remaining with Mercedes for the rest of his life.

Hamilton tenure with the Brackley squad will enter its eleventh season in 2023 and so far, despite a challenging 2022 campaign void of any wins, all signs point to the Briton remaining on the grid for several years.

Mercedes F1 boss Toto recently suggested that Hamilton could continue to race on for another five seasons.

"Possibly, yes, I’m feeling good. I love what I’m doing," said Hamilton, responding to Wolff's comments.

"We have a lot of work to do, a lot to achieve still. So I’m not planning on going anywhere, anytime soon."

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But regardless of his longevity in the sport , the 37-year-old expects his allegiance to the German manufacturer will last for his entire life.

"It’s not that I’m not sure, I know what I want to do," he said, addressing his future.

"I plan on staying longer. It’s just not set in stone how long. I plan on staying with Mercedes for the rest of my life, that’s a definite.

"It’s more figuring out what we are going to do down the line, even beyond racing I want to be building with Mercedes and there is a lot that Mercedes can do, it’s not just a car manufacturer."

While his and Mercedes' success in Formula 1 has ensured the team's prosperity, the Briton views his partnership with the manufacturer as extending well beyond the world the world of racing.

"It provides so many jobs for so many people and it has such a powerful platform to really shift narratives and it has a place where it can have a really positive impact on the environment," Hamilton added.

"There are loads of things that we can do together and I want to be a part of that.

"I want to be part of that shift and work process with Mercedes far beyond races and championships, but for now, it’s to win world championships and that’s the immediate focus."

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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.