Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes are finally agreeing terms to a new contract, although only a one-year contract has been announced for the 2021 season; new agreement includes a collective commitment to greater diversity and inclusion
By James Galloway
Last updated: 08/02/21 11:37 am
Lewis Hamilton has finally signed his new Mercedes contract to formally secure a place on the Formula 1 grid for the 2021 season when he is aiming for the eighth highest title in the world.
More than a month after his previous contract expired, Mercedes confirmed that Hamilton, the seven-time champion, had agreed contracts to stay – although, compared to past contracts, a contract for just name one season.
Hamilton, who turned 36 in January, has signed at least two-year deals in F1.
In particular, the agreement includes a commitment from all sides to create a charitable foundation, which Mercedes says “will be committed to supporting greater diversity and inclusion in all its forms in motor sport ”.
Hamilton launched his own commission to look into the reasons for underrepresentation for those from minorities in motor sports last year, while Mercedes has pledged to improve the team’s diversity. themselves.
“I am thrilled to be entering my ninth season with my Mercedes team-mates,” said Hamilton, who joined the Brackley team in 2013 and holds six of the seven F1 titles in the year. earn a world for rewriting the sport’s record books.
“Our team have achieved amazing things together and we look forward to building on our success even further, as we continually look forward to it, both on and off track.
“I am equally determined to continue the journey we have begun to make motor sport more diverse for future generations and I am grateful that Mercedes has been so supportive of my call to address it. this issue. I am proud to say that we are taking that effort further. this year with the launch of a foundation dedicated to diversity and inclusion in sport.
“I’m inspired by all that we can build together and can’t wait to get back on track in March.”
Toto Wolff, co-owner and principal of the team who agreed his own new contract before Christmas to hold this last post, has forged a very successful partnership with Hamilton and said “the hungry We have to compete and add more chapters ”in the time of the British. at Mercedes.
“We have always been aligned with Lewis to continue, but our very unusual year in 2020 meant that it took some time to complete the process,” he said. Wolff.
Lewis & Mercedes are agreeing a new contract but it is only for 1 year which means the contracts for both Lewis & Valtteri will run out at the end of this season and also George’s at Williams. . 3 drivers running 2 sets at Merc & all out of contract. You could argue that this is a progressive move by Toto
– David Croft (@ CroftyF1) February 8, 2021
“Together, we have decided to extend the sporting relationship for another season and embark on a long-term project to take the next step in our shared commitment to greater diversity within our sport.
“Lewis’ competitive record stands alongside the best the sporting world has ever seen, and it is a valuable ambassador for our brand and our partners. The story of Mercedes and Lewis has been written by into the history books of our sport over the past eight seasons, and we are hungry to compete and add more chapters. “
More to follow …