Hamilton seeks to emulate Moss and remain with Mercedes until 'last days'

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Lewis Hamilton says he aims to emulate the great Stirling Moss by remaining with Mercedes until his "last days" regardless of how many years he remains in F1.

Hamilton is in the final year of his contract with the German manufacturer, but all signs point to the seven-time world champion racing on in F1 in 2024 and perhaps beyond.

But the Briton hopes that the day he bids farewell to the paddock won't spell the end of his relationship with Mercedes. Like Sir Stirling, Hamilton hopes he will forever remain affiliated with the company and its brand as a prestigious ambassador and advisor.

Read also: Hamilton reveals 'huge step' enjoyed as a driver over the years

"I continue to feel very much at home, it's family," he said, describing his connection to Mercedes. "I see myself being with Mercedes till my last days, to be honest.

"If you look at the legends, Sir Stirling Moss was with Mercedes till the end of days.

"So, that's been the dream for me to one day have that… well I have that, so I mean just continue on with that and continue to build with the brand."

Last year, Hamilton endured a challenging campaign with Mercedes, with the team's new-generation W13 contender missing the mark in terms of F1's new technical regulations.

For the first time since his graduation to F1 in 2007, Hamilton failed to win a single race. But the hardship hasn't eroded his passion or motivation for the sport, and he intends on remaining on the grid for as long as he feels he can "contribute" to his team's success.

"I've got some amazing allies within the team. I've got great relationships here," he said.

"I think, for me personally, just as long as I can continue to help the team, as long as I can continue to help drive the team forwards and really contribute, then that's why I want to stay.

"If there's ever going to be a point where I feel like I'm not able to do that, then it's time for a youngster to come in to take my seat. But I'm still pretty young, in pretty decent shape."

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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.