Lewis Hamilton was told he has only one option for his Formula 1 future if he wants to continue racing.
The Brit, 38, previously stated he did not want to still be racing in F1 by the time he turned 40. But he has since changed his mind on that subject, having rediscovered his true passion for the sport since the blow of missing out on the 2021 title in such controversial circumstances.
Both he and Toto Wolff pledged late last year to thrash out a new deal over the winter. But a new Mercedes contract never materialised, with Hamilton globetrotting during his time off and the team focussed on their preparations for the 2023 season.
