Method One world champion Lewis Hamilton will chase a document eighth title with Mercedes this season after signing a brand new deal, the crew stated in an announcement on Monday that ended any uncertainty about his speedy future.
The 36-year-old Briton had been out of contract because the finish of final yr however the negotiations had changed into one thing of a saga, with questions raised about why it was taking so lengthy.
Mercedes stated the brand new settlement, which referred solely to 2021, included a joint dedication for higher range and inclusion.
Hamilton, the game’s solely Black driver and its most profitable racer, has used his platform and profile more and more to push for equal alternatives and converse out in opposition to racial injustice.
“I’m excited to be heading into my ninth season with my Mercedes teammates,” he stated.
“Our crew has achieved unimaginable issues collectively and we stay up for constructing on our success even additional, whereas constantly trying to enhance, each on and off the monitor.
“I’m equally decided to proceed the journey we began to make motorsport extra various for future generations and I’m grateful that Mercedes has been extraordinarily supportive of my name to deal with this challenge.”
Hamilton, who final yr arrange a fee to assist enhance the illustration of Black individuals in British motorsport, stated he and Mercedes can be launching a joint basis devoted to range and inclusion within the sport.
Mercedes crew boss and co-owner Toto Wolff stated it had all the time been the plan to proceed the connection however the COVID-19 pandemic meant it had taken a while to get all the pieces in place.
“Lewis’s aggressive document stands alongside the very best the sports activities world has ever seen, and he’s a valued ambassador for our model and our companions,” added the Austrian.
“The story of Mercedes and Lewis has written itself into the historical past books of our sport over the previous eight seasons, and we’re hungry to compete and so as to add extra chapters to it.”
Mercedes have gained the final seven drivers’ and constructors’ world championships, an unprecedented present of dominance within the sport.
The season begins in Bahrain on March 28.
