Lewis Hamilton's contract expires this year but he says: "I still believe I'm able to put the car in places that perhaps others are not able to, and I love that challenge."; Watch Bahrain GP live on Sky Sports F1 this weekend, starting with practice from 11am on Friday
Thursday 2 March 2023 16:58, UK
Lewis Hamilton says he is committed to Mercedes beyond this year even if the team have the "difficult" 2023 season many expect, insisting there has been no contract "hold up" and that the car will improve.
Hamilton heads into the new campaign - which starts with the Bahrain GP, live on Sky Sports F1 this weekend - in the final year of his contract and with few signs that Mercedes, after dropping from eight straight titles to third in 2022, are ready to re-enter championship contention.
While F1's seven-time drivers' champion and eight-time constructors' champion have started talks over a new deal, it has been mooted that the lack of signature and Mercedes' form on the track were linked.
But speaking from the Sakhir paddock on the eve of the first practice session, Hamilton shot down those "rumours".
"Having a difficult year, like we had last year, I'm still here," he said. "Whether or not we have a difficult year [this year]... I'll still be here."
Hamilton's answer came just before he admitted he was not sure whether Mercedes were third or fourth fastest heading into the opening race - possibly behind Aston Martin - and comfortably short of Red Bull's speed.
But he added: "I'm a fighter, and we fight as a team. I love the challenge of finding solutions and I still believe I'm able to put the car in places that perhaps others are not able to, and I love that challenge.
"Of course I wish to be starting the season with a great car, but it's the journey I think that really counts.
"There is no hold-up with our contract. I've always been very, very relaxed and don't feel like I need to get it done right this second.
"I have a great relationship with Toto [Wolff] and Mercedes and we fully support each other. I'm really excited about the future together and the work we're doing on and off the track.
"We'll get there unless something catastrophic happens... maybe me and Toto get into the ring!"
Hamilton also said he had "prepared" himself for fighting for a record eighth title despite Mercedes' apparent lack of pace to start the year.
"Whether or not we have the equipment to fight for a championship, we'll find out," he told Sky Sports F1.
"I do believe I've got the team still that are championship-ready. There are some positives there and I think it's a good foundation to build on."
Mercedes' hopes for the season rely on a huge rate of development for their 2023 car, which retains the sidepod design of last season but has a completely new aerodynamic philosophy.
The porpoising of last year appears to be a thing of the past but the Mercedes is arguably just as slow compared to Red Bull as they were heading to Bahrain this time in 2022.
Hamilton, though, insisted there was no 'Plan B' car for this season.
"Naturally we arrive here with a much better understanding of the challenges are ahead," he said.
"I knew from the moment I drove the car where we were and the challenges we would be facing. On a positive, not having the bouncing this year is a huge plus.
"We can focus now on pure performance so I've been encouraged to see the focus of everyone in the team, they're so focused on getting us back to the top.
"We're not where we want to be at the start of the season, but this still is a multi championship-winning team and group of people."
Mercedes came into the season hoping for an immediate return to prominence with their car but had a mixed three days of pre-season testing, struggling with balance issues and straight-line speed.
Hamilton's team-mate George Russell, though, believes that despite the low expectations Mercedes are well-placed to hit back at the same track in Bahrain.
"It probably wasn't the smoothest three days we could have hoped for, but I think… I went back to the UK and was on the simulator… the learnings, the findings we found, I think is going to put us in better stead for this weekend.
"I think we had really good time between the test and the race to analyse what happened. There were a few things going on with the car that we didn't quite expect, but we've been able to resolve pretty easily. We were just working in slightly the wrong window. So we'll put that change in for this weekend.
"There are definitely positive signs, and I'm not saying we're going to find that lap time deficit to Red Bull, but I'm definitely more comfortable than I was on Friday night."
On the pecking order, he added: "I think it's definitely fair to say Red Bull are in a bit of a league of their own this weekend here in Bahrain, but I think it will probably be a nice fight for second, probably with Ferrari and Aston Martin."
Formula 1 is back! Watch the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix live on Sky Sports F1 this weekend. The track action starts on Friday while Sunday's race begins at 3pm. Get Sky Sports
