Lewis Hamilton refused to sign longer Mercedes deal over motivation concerns

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Lewis Hamilton has revealed he will only compete in Formula One beyond his 10-month deal with Mercedes if it still puts a smile on his face this season.

The reigning world champion signed a short-term deal with Mercedes last month, bringing an end to a long-winded contract saga which dragged on for several months.

He was expected to put pen to paper on a multi-year extension with Toto Wolff’s team, nevertheless, meaning doubts have been raised over his long-term future beyond the 2021 season.

Hamilton only needs one more world title to surpass Michael Schumacher in the all-time F1 charts, having drawn level with the racing legend by clinching a seventh championship last season.

However, the Brit insists he will only continue driving if the sport still manages to make him happy.

“I have decided. I don't want that [record championships] to be the deciding factor,” he said.

“I got into racing because I loved it and that's got to always be at the core of what you do.

“If all you're going for is accolades, I feel I could potentially lose my way.

“Of course it is the ultimate dream but I don't think it is not going to be the deciding factor whether I stay or keep going; it is more whether then I still have the smile when I leave the garage.

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    • “It is going back to: 'Do you enjoy it?' Last year was a really tough year for everyone, including me, but there were some really impactful moments.

    “Will that be the case this year? We'll see. Will I enjoy it as much, we'll see. I am excited now, so I am sure I will.

    “I’m fully invested in this season and delivering. I still love what I do.

    “I’m in the fortunate position that I don't have to commit to multiple years so I chose to have a one-year deal then I could see how the year goes, where we're at mid-year or towards the end of the year. Who knows whether we'll still be in a pandemic.

    “But it doesn't mean that I'm not still committed very much to the sport.”

    READ MORE:Lewis Hamilton’s likely Mercedes replacement as Red Bull admit key contract clauses

    READ MORE:Lewis Hamilton tipped to join new F1 team in 2022 to 'earn more' and 'keep lifestyle'

    • Formula One
    • Lewis Hamilton
    • Mercedes
    • F1

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