F1 supremacy threat reinvigorated Hamilton to remain in F1 until 2023

Lewis Hamilton has conceded to feeling reinvigorated by the greatest threat to his F1 supremacy he has faced for many years.

After four successive seasons of domination, Hamilton is in danger of missing out on a record-breaking eighth title this year as Red Bull and Max Verstappen have taken charge.

Red Bull's five consecutive victories have catapulted it into a 44-point lead over Mercedes in the constructors' championship, while Hamilton is 32 points adrift of Verstappen in the drivers' standings.

Naturally, Hamilton is disappointed his title fight with Verstappen has dissipated of late after it seemed set for a season-long battle at the start of the campaign.

But the 36-year-old Briton has still been fuelled by what has unfolded so far.

"The start of this season, when the cars were so close in performance, pretty much equal, it was one of the most exciting times I've had for some time, to have this battle with Red Bull," assessed Hamilton.

"I was honestly really hoping it would continue on like that through the rest of the year but as you've seen they've taken a huge leap forwards.

"We're always in different places in our lives and it's important we take time to evaluate, it's important we do what's right for us in terms of health and mental wellbeing.

"Last year was a long, long, long journey and it's always a good time to reflect and see what's next.

"I found myself waking up thinking about racing so I wanted to continue to race, and now we're having this tight battle, it's brought me closer to the team, to the engineers, it's making me dig deeper and I love that.

"I guess it has been reinvigorating, the love that I have for this sport, for what I do.

"On the backside of that, there are the conversations we have in the background, on the phone, on Zooms with the FIA and Formula 1, seeing Stefano [Domenicali] coming in and knowing what a great guy he is, knowing what this sport can be, and being a part of helping this sport evolve and being as great as it can be."

Past talks "stressful" for Hamilton

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff had suggested that during the discussions with Hamilton over the new deal talk of retirement had arisen.

Hamilton claims that is not something he recalls but claims the conversations on this occasion were far easier compared to those ahead of him signing the contract that only covered him for this year.

Although not finding such discussions "a distraction", he added: "I remember in the past we didn't want to do it during the season because it's stressful to have those conversations, but it's been a much, much better process this time.

"It happened real quick and Toto was fantastic in the negotiations, and the board were incredibly supportive. We've continued to grow in our relationship, how we communicate, making sure we're aligned.

"It's a great commitment from them and myself to continue to stay aligned with Mercedes knowing the things we face moving forwards and the changes and improvements we can make."

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