Lewis Hamilton threatens contract U-turn and retirement from F1 despite signing new two-year deal

Formula 1 legend Lewis Hamilton has hinted he could make a sensational U-turn on the new Mercedes contract he signed last week.

After months of speculation, Hamilton committed his future in F1 by signing a new two-year deal with Mercedes last week.

Upon signing his new contract, Hamilton said: “We have never been hungrier to win. We have learnt from every success but also every setback. We continue to chase our dreams, we continue to fight no matter the challenge and we will win again.

“I’m grateful to the team who have supported me both on and off the track. Our story isn’t finished, we are determined to achieve more together and we won’t stop until we do.”

However, Hamilton appeared to hint that he could well make a U-turn and retire from the sport.

As per The Sun, Hamilton told Sky Sports: “The goal within those two years is 100 per cent to be fighting and win a world championship. We are second in the constructors' championship right now and we want to dethrone those who are at the top.

“I have 100 per cent faith that we can do that. In terms of long-term, I'm thinking about my next contract - what that will look like, how long that will be. I plan to be here for a while.”

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He added: “But it could change. I could come back next year and be like, 'damn it'. Who knows? You never know where you are going to be in life.

“But right now I'm very focused on staying positive every day. I know that's not easy for anyone.

“Staying fit and healthy and trying to find that balance of enjoying yourself and your work - balance with family life and all those sort of things. I think I've got a pretty decent balance right now. That's enabling me to really love what I'm doing.”

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So far in the 2023 season, Hamilton has collected 164 points and is fourth in the drivers’ standings.

F1 will return next weekend with the Singapore Grand Prix, which will take place at the Marina Bay Street Circuit on September 17.