The British driver also confirmed he only made his mind up at the start of this year having already committed to a new contract with Mercedes. The seven-time champion was in Bahrain for testing with Mercedes in what will be his last season at the team with whom he has won six titles. In August of last year Hamilton had agreed a new contract with Mercedes for two seasons. He has been with the Mercedes team since 2013 and before that was backed by Mercedes as McLaren’s engine supplier since he was 13. Hamilton has not won a race since the Saudi Arabian GP in 2021 and last season Mercedes went without a victory for the first time since 2011. Hamilton nonetheless insisted he would see out his time with Mercedes by giving his all.

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