(Motorsport) Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes contract is set to expire at the end of the 2023 season but both the driver and team expect to sign an extension in the near future. The seven time World Champion had a disappointing 2022 season, failing to win a single race and was outperformed by his teammate George Russell. However, the 38 year old remains one of the greatest drivers in Formula 1 history and is possibly the only racer on the grid who can compete with Max Verstappen if given a car that can perform equally as well.

Mercedes recently confirmed that they will launch their 2023 car W14 on February 16th and will look to drastically improve on the underperforming W13, which resulted in the Silver Arrows missing out on the Constructors Championship after winning it eight consecutive times. Pre-season testing will begin in Bahrain from February 23-25 followed by the Bahrain Grand Prix on March 5th. The 2023 season is already seeing its share of controversy as FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem announced that drivers will not be allowed to make “political, religious and personal statements” from next season, following an update of the International Sporting Code unless approved by the FIA.

Hamilton has previously stood up for human rights and racial inequality as well as addressed LGBTQ+ rights in Saudi Arabia, but might not be able to do so in the 2023 season. Speaking about the new rules, Mercedes chief Toto Wolff said that he has not yet spoken to Hamilton but is optimistic the laws will not be as “harsh” in practice as they appear on paper. “We haven’t talked about the political situation because he’s in his off-season and I think it’s important to shield yourself from F1,” Wolff said. “This is what I’m very much doing, helping to shield. “Once he’s back, these things will certainly be discussed with a positive mindset.

“I think we need to see how this really pans out. We understand that sports are here to not make politics, but on the contrary, unite. “I have no doubt that Mohammed and the FIA mean well to achieve the right things, it’s just about aligning that with drivers that have been more outspoken in the past. Every time, I know when Mohammed has spoken to Lewis and the other way around, it has ended up in a positive conversation.”

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