Sakhir:
Lewis Hamilton admitted on Thursday that he hopes to fight back in the first races this season, but responded to observers who said Mercedes’ lack of pace was the reason he had not signed a new contract.
Speaking to reporters ahead of the season opener at the Bahrain Grand Prix on Sunday, the 38-year-old seven-time world champion admitted that Mercedes “is not something we want”.
“Ideally, the lack of bounce is a big plus,” he added.
“We don’t have that right now so we can focus on pure performance.”
He denied claims made by former world champions Damon Hill and Jenson Button, who work as pundits for Sky Sports, that he was considering leaving. Mercedes if the team cannot regain a competitive level of performance.
He has entered the last year of his current contract this season.
“I’m a fighter,” he said. “And we fight as a team. I like the challenge of finding solutions and I always believe that I can put the car in places that maybe others can’t and I like it, that’s challenge.
“Finally, people make up stories without facts. It never works. You’d think they’d all know by now I’ve been with Mercedes since I was 13. .
“And going through a tough year like last year, I’m still here, and whether or not there’s going to be another tough year this year. , I will always be here.
“Of course I want to start the season with a good car, but this trip I think is very important.
“So, there is no restriction on our contract. I’m always very calm. I don’t feel like I have to do it right this second. I’m in a very good position.”
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