ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - DECEMBER 12: Second placed and championship runner up Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain and Mercedes GP looks dejected in parc ferme during the F1 Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi at Yas Marina Circuit on December 12, 2021 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)
Lewis Hamilton finished second in last weekend’s Mexican Grand Prix at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez
Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton was booed throughout race day at the Mexican GP by fans present at the circuit. The booing culture has become more common in F1 in the recent past with Hamilton and Verstappen more frequently on the receiving end. Despite the boos, Hamilton had a great outing in Mexico and finished second on the podium behind Red Bull’s Verstappen.
Hamilton displayed his class both during and after the race despite getting booed constantly. Speaking after the race, the seven-time World Champion said: “This has been an amazing crowd, definitely a bit awkward this time around. Boos all day, but nonetheless I have so much love for Mexico and for the people here and what a great race event they put on this weekend.” Although there are no obvious reasons behind the constant booing, it can be put down to the home crowd’s support for local favourite Sergio Perez. The Mexican fans in attendance didn’t want Hamilton to do well at the expense of Perez. The Red Bull driver eventually finished in third place, behind Hamilton.
Amidst rumours and speculations of Hamilton’s retirement from F1, the British driver has revealed that he is set to renew his deal with Mercedes. Hamilton has confirmed that he has no plans of retiring from the sport yet and is eyeing a multi-year contract with Mercedes.
The seven-time World Champion’s future has been the subject of many speculations but the British star put an end to it ahead of last weekend’s Mexican Grand Prix. Hamilton’s current contract with Mercedes will come run out at the end of next season.
Speaking in the press conference ahead of the Mexican GP, Hamilton confirmed that he has no plans of retiring. “I think it will be a multi-year contract. There’s like this whole thing of [me] retiring that’s always lingering around and honestly, I don’t like the idea of it and I don’t feel like I’m there”, Hamilton said.
He further added, “We have a lot more work to do as a team, as individuals within the team, we have a lot more to do as a sport and I want to be a part of that shifting.” Hamilton fans will certainly be relieved after this assurance from the man himself.
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