15 February 2023 , 11:42
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Lewis Hamilton has offered the biggest hint yet that he will extend his stay with Mercedes beyond the 2023 F1 season.
The seven-time world champion, 38, is going into the final year of his contract with Mercedes and speculation has continued over whether this will be his last season in the sport.
Hamilton failed to win a single race in 2022 as Max Verstappen secured back-to-back world titles for Red Bull, but there is a hope the gap will be closed when the new season gets underway in March.
And after helping launch Mercedes' all-black W14 challenger, Hamilton dismissed retirement talk and outlined his plans to stay with the team.
"I know I've been here [at Mercedes] a long time, I love being a part of a team that is working towards a common goal," Hamilton said.
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"It's the combined energy of all the individuals in the team. It's not the same car every year. You know, it's always changing. There's always new tools, always a new logbook they have to get used to. And I love that, so you know, I am planning to stay there longer."
The 2023 season gets underway in Bahrain in March with testing taking place next weekend in Sakhir, as Mercedes bid to close the gap on Red Bull and Ferrari.
Mercedes have launched their striking all-black car design (Twitter/MercedesAMGF1)Hamilton finished sixth overall in 2022 and is relishing the opportunity to get back into action, dismissing any notion that his drive and hunger has diminished after 17 years in the sport.
He added: "I always believe that I can get better. I always love that challenge of the mental and the physical element of it and having to deep dive and see how you can extract more performance.
"I think for all of us we always miss driving, so the winter break initially feels too short. And then when you get towards the end of it you're like 'ok, I'm ready to go back into the action' but I definitely maximise and enjoyed it."
Lewis Hamilton has suggested he will extend his deal with Mercedes (Getty Images)Hamilton branded the new black W14 'bold and aggressive', with Mercedes going back to the livery colour that was particularly successful in 2020.
“To see the evolution of the car and the changes that have been made is fascinating," he said. "We've redesigned, optimised, and innovated so many parts of the car and that is impressive. And I love the new livery! It says, 'we mean business'.
“I’m excited to go racing again. I feel calm, energised, and have my focus sharpened. I'm ready to do what's necessary to win."