Lewis Hamilton could still be on the road at 42! The Brit hints his new Mercedes contract could run until 2026 as he argues his best chances of challenging Max Verstappen will come after the rule changes take effect

Lewis Hamilton has hinted that his allegedly agreed Mercedes contract includes an option allowing him to stay in Formula 1 until the end of the 2026 season, just before his 42nd birthday.

That’s how long the seven-time world champion believes it could take to contain the Red Bull juggernaut he fears could see Max Verstappen win all 10 remaining races this year.

The first of those tests will take place in front of adoring fans at Sunday’s Dutch Grand Prix, where Verstappen will seek his ninth straight win, equaling the record set by Sebastian Vettel in 2013.

Although Hamilton hopes Mercedes gets back on form to face the Red Bulls next season, he reiterated Ferrari boss Charles Leclerc’s suggestion that a change in regulations – due in 2026 – might be needed to do so anyone can conjure up a title fight.

With that in mind, Hamilton appears to have agreed in principle to either a straight three-year deal or a two-year deal with an option for a third while planning the elusive eighth world title of his dreams.

Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton has hinted that his allegedly agreed-upon Mercedes contract includes an option allowing him to remain in Formula 1 until the end of the 2026 season

Red Bull’s Max Verstappen has dominated Formula 1 this season, winning 10 out of 12 races

According to team boss Toto Wolff, Mercedes has already reached an agreement with Hamilton

According to team boss Toto Wolff, the conditions have already been agreed.

Oddly enough, Hamilton has yet to put pen to paper.

Speaking in rain-soaked Zandvoort about the return of Formula 1 after the summer break, the Brit said: “It’s very, very possible that Charles Leclerc could be right, but we’re working on the steep incline and trying to develop further and to that to bring to close the gap.” Gap.

“We don’t have a rule change coming up so I hope it doesn’t take that long.” The fact of the matter is that they are hundreds of points clear and have most likely started developing next year’s car a month before anyone else. “

On Verstappen’s dominance – 10 wins from 12 races so far this season – Hamilton added: “There’s a high chance he’ll win every race.” But the wet weather here could spice things up.

“At Spa, which is not a strong circuit for us, we performed well in the wet. I hope that will be the case this weekend.

“The guys think this track is not too different from Budapest and our car was good there.”

“Even here last year when the car wasn’t great we were closer to the front. George Russell was second and at some point I was chasing the lead.”