Lewis Hamilton is adamant he will sign a new deal with Mercedes despite rumours circulating that he could walk away from the team and Formula One at the end of the season.
Former champions Jenson Button and Damon Hill both questioned Hamilton’s future in the sport if Mercedes prove uncompetitive for a second successive season.
But the seven-time world champion, whose current contract expires at the end of this season, insisted he would be still be at Mercedes in 2024.
“People creating rumours without facts is never helpful,” he said. “You’d have thought they’d both know.
“I’ve been with Mercedes since I was 13. I had a difficult year last year and I’m still here. Should I have a difficult year this year, I’ll still be here. I’m a fighter and we fight as a team. I love the challenge.
“Of course, I wish we’d start the season with a great car but it’s the journey that really counts.”
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff had previously said there was no rush on contract negotiations, a stance echoed by Hamilton.
The 37-year-old said: “I don’t feel I need to get it done right this second. It’ll get done when we’re ready. I’m excited for the future. We’ll get there unless there’s some catastrophe.”
