Clarkson: Hamilton signs deal as "he can see the writing on the wall"

Lewis Hamilton has extended his contract with Mercedes for two years, which will keep him in Formula 1 until 2023. Tom Clarkson has an idea why Hamilton has extended, and that might be good news for Max Verstappen.

Disappointed Lewis

In 2021, Hamilton is chasing his eighth world title in Formula 1, to break Michael Schumacher's record. Like the German, Hamilton has seven world titles, but of course, he wants to make it eight. That seems to be getting harder and harder this season, with Verstappen's lead in the standings increasing.

''I thought he was pretty deflated after the race. Do you know what? I think one of the reasons he thinks he has signed for two years is that he can see the writing on the wall for this season. Somewhere in the back of his head, he thinks this is over, I need number eight," says Formula One journalist, Tom Clarkson, in the F1 Nation Podcast.

Retirement for Hamilton?

When Natalie Pinkham points out that Hamilton correctly said he enjoyed this duel so much, Clarkson is clear. ''He enjoyed the duel up to and including the Spanish Grand Prix."

With a two-year contract with Mercedes, Hamilton will remain in F1 until he is 38. Damon Hill is asked if this will be his last contract in Formula One. ''It all comes down to whether you're still enjoying it and whether he can still win," concludes the 1996 world champion.