Seven-time F1 world champion Lewis Hamilton has signed a new contract with the Mercedes F1 team for the 2021 season. The deal, confirmed by the German company today, will have “one of the sport’s most successful ever collaborations” continue for a ninth consecutive season.
- Hamilton and Mercedes agree on new one-year deal
- Joint charitable foundation described as “significant part” of the deal
Hamilton extends Mercedes F1 contract
Despite enjoying a highly successful run with Mercedes, Hamilton, who was just recently knighted in the UK Honours list, entered 2021 without any contract in place. COVID-19 made it difficult to meet face-to-face, and the situation was only delayed further with the team deciding to hold off talks to focus on the 2020 title. But both parties always insisted that the deal would definitely go ahead.
Hamilton and Mercedes have at last finalised a new deal, with the British racer staying with the Silver Arrows for another year, as he chases a record eighth F1 title.
Hamilton and Mercedes set up joint charitable foundation
In what’s described as a “significant part” of the deal, the two parties want to build on their pledge to promote greater diversity and inclusion in motorsport by setting up a joint charitable foundation to support the cause.
“I’m excited to be heading into my ninth season with my Mercedes team-mates,” said Hamilton. “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.”
“I’m equally determined to continue the journey we started to make motorsport more diverse for future generations, and I’m grateful that Mercedes has been extremely supportive of my call to address this issue.”
“I’m proud to say we’re taking that effort further this year by launching a foundation dedicated to diversity and inclusion in the sport. I’m inspired by all that we can build together and can’t wait to get back on the track in March.”
Team principal and CEO, Toto Wolff said, “The story of Mercedes and Lewis has written itself into the history books of our sport over the past eight seasons, and we’re hungry to compete and add more chapters to it.”
After his debut in the sport in 2007 with Mercedes F1 engine customer, Hamilton joined the Mercedes works team in 2013. Since then, he has won 95 Grands Prix and seven drivers’ championships, making him statistically the most successful driver in F1 history.
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