When it comes to Formula 1 racing, it’s always a smart move to secure the services of a multiple F1 champion, especially when he happens to be driving the fastest car on the grid.

Mercedes re-signed current F1 champ Lewis Hamilton to a new three-year deal that could be worth up to £27 million ($40m), depending on how many races he wins, whether or not he wins the title plus other bonuses.

If we were to go by overall value, Hamilton’s deal kind of mirrors what Alonso and Vettel just got from McLaren and Ferrari respectively. However, unlike the two, Hamilton has the biggest shot at winning the title again this year and is arguably the biggest name in Formula 1 at this moment, not to mention the fastest.

Lewis has won no fewer than 15 races for Mercedes since coming on board and he has already won 3 of the first 5 races this season alone. Aside from the wins, he also got on the podium a total of 26 times and scored 684 points, which is impressive to say the least.

Of course, having a car that can help you achieve all those things is a good thing – which Lewis was clearly aware of when he said “the Mercedes car I am driving right now is the best I have ever had in my career. It’s just so much fun to be out there every weekend, on the limit and fighting to win at every track.”

The fact that he’s paired with another sensationally fast and talented driver in Nico Rosberg appears to benefit Hamilton as so far he’s responded well every time Nico tried to make a run at the title.

Apart from Rosberg, Vettel seems to be the only driver that can even remotely challenge Lewis this year.

Story references: bbc

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