Key Details You May Have Missed in Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes F1 Contract Confirmation

Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes have finally announced that they will continue their partnership for another year. After an unusual delay and multiple rumors and speculations, the team confirmed a one-year contract with Hamilton for €40 million.

The negotiations were delayed because of COVID-19; not being able to meet face-to-face hindered the process a bit. The pair had mutually held off talks till the title win, but Hamilton’s coronavirus infection delayed the negotiations further.

This will be Hamilton’s ninth season with Mercedes. While he is looking to make history by claiming his eighth title, the Silver Arrows are aiming to extend their consecutive championship run by winning their eighth next season.

How does the one-year contract affect the rumored veto power of Lewis Hamilton?

An important subtext of a one-year deal is on Hamilton’s rumored veto on his teammate. Damon Hill had shared a tweet stating Lewis will sign a two-year deal and retain a veto on who his teammate can be.

The F1 community was divided on the rumored veto power. However, the one-year deal does not accord that power to the Briton. The lack of an option for a further extension makes sure that there will be no veto whatsoever.

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Where does the one-year deal leave Hamilton’s bigger goal in Formula 1?

Towards the end of the 2020 season, Lewis Hamilton had clarified a bigger goal in Formula 1. The champion had stated that he wants to work towards making the sport of F1 more diverse and inclusive. Thus, Toto Wolff explained the importance of the current deal to begin a long-term project of greater diversity.

“The very unusual year we had in 2020 meant it took some time to finish the process,” Wolff said, explaining the unusual delay in confirmation.

“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,” Wolff stated.

Is there any significance to the date of signing?

Easter eggs in social media posts have become a trend for Formula 1 teams. Maybe the signing date of the one-year deal is a clear indication of Mercedes and Hamilton’s goal for the 2021 season.

The contract announcement came on February 8, 2021; ‘Eight’ – the championship number that Hamilton is going after this season, a title that will make him the most successful driver in the sport’s history. Meanwhile, Mercedes are also looking to increase their consecutive championship run from seven to eight this season.

Currently tied with Michael Schumacher, do you believe Hamilton will finish the season as the driver with most championship titles?