Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton has signed a new one year deal with Mercedes.
Hamilton has won six titles with Mercedes since his move from McLaren in 2012, including six straight constructors championships.
— Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@MercedesAMGF1) February 8, 2021
Mercedes confirmed in the announcement that the new deal will include awareness for a greater diversity and inclusion in the sport.
“I’m equally determined to continue the journey we started to make motorsport more diverse for future generations.”
“I am grateful that Mercedes has been extremely supportive of my call to address this issue,” said Hamilton.
“I’m proud to say we are taking that effort further this year by launching a foundation dedicated to diversity and inclusion in the sport.
“I am inspired by all that we can build together and can’t wait to get back on the track in March.”
Delayed Talks
Hamilton delayed talks of his contract during the 2020 season, to focus on securing his seventh world title.
Despite the delay, both parties insisted the deal was inevitable.
Team boss Toto Wolff stated last month that both representatives were throwing “curveballs” in the contract talks.
However, in an announcement today, Mercedes have confirmed that the Brit has agreed the new deal that sees him race for the 2021 season.
“I am excited to be heading into my ninth season with my Mercedes teammates,
“Our team has achieved incredible things together and we look forward to building on our success even further, while continuously looking to improve, both on and off the track.”
Toto Relief
Team boss Toto Wolff explained his relief to sign Hamilton on this contract.
“Together, we have decided to extend the sporting relationship for another season and to begin a longer-term project to take the next step in our shared commitment to greater diversity within our sport.
“Lewis’s competitive record stands alongside the best the sports world has ever seen, and he is a valued ambassador for our brand and our partners.
“The story of Mercedes and Lewis has written itself into the history books of our sport over the past eight seasons, and we are hungry to compete and to add more chapters to it.”
Featured Image: Lewis Hamilton by Morio under creative commons
