Reigning Formula 1 champion Lewis Hamilton has put an end to speculation surrounding his contract by committing to a one-year deal with Mercedes. The team confirmed this news in a statement that has ended all uncertainty surrounding his future.
The 36-year-old had been out of contract since winning his seventh Formula One world championship last season. Negotiations between the driver and Mercedes had taken longer than expected, with many believing it was harming his public reputation.
Mercedes confirmed that the new agreement would ensure a joint commitment for greater diversity and inclusion in the sport.
Hamilton has been a big advocate of equality. He is the sport’s only Black driver and its most successful racer. He has often used the platform of his success to push for equal opportunities and speak out against racial injustice.
“I am excited to be heading into my ninth season with my Mercedes teammates,” Hamilton said.
“Our team has achieved incredible things together. We look forward to building on our success even further, while continuously looking to improve, both on and off the track.
“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.”
Hamilton set up a commission last year that was aimed at increasing the representation of Black people in British motorsport.
He confirmed that along with Mercedes, he will be launching a joint foundation dedicated to diversity and inclusion in the sport.
Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff said that there was never any doubt that the team wanted to continue its relationship with Hamilton, but the pandemic had made the process a lot slower than earlier anticipated.
“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 said.
“The story of Mercedes and Lewis has written itself into the history books of our sport over the past eight seasons. We are hungry to compete and to add more chapters to it.”
The deal will see Hamilton earn 40 million euros, with the driver accepting similar terms to last season.
Mercedes has had it all its own way in recent years. The team has won the last seven drivers’ and constructors’ world championships.
The season starts in Bahrain on March 28.