Hamilton-Mercedes deal includes much more: 'They've only dealt with 2021 now'

18:59, 08 Feb 2021
10 Comments

Lewis Hamilton signed his contract with Mercedes for 2021 on Monday afternoon. The big news was that it will only be valid for one year. At least, one year on the track. Further cooperation that is included in the contract ensures a longer term commitment between the two parties.

Hamilton contract covers more than one year on track

As well as agreeing to race for Mercedes for another year, the German stable and the seven-time world champion have also agreed to launch an initiative together, with Hamilton at the helm, to promote diversity in motorsport. In doing so they are making a long-term commitment and Hamilton retains the choice to shift his focus away from the track next year.

This is how Sky Sports journalist Craig Slater explains it. In a Sky Sports F1 interview, the journalist says: "As far as Hamilton and Mercedes are concerned, they have now dealt with 2021. This by no means entail that they will stop working together in 2022. Many people are surprised that the contract is only valid for one year, but don't write Lewis off yet for the next epoque in F1."

Extra chance for Russell in 2022?

Whether Hamilton can be seen on track in 2022 or not, collaboration with Mercedes is certainly set for the future. Another salient detail about the new deal is that the contracts of Hamilton, Valtteri Bottas and George Russell are expiring. This leaves Mercedes with a free choice for next year.

Slater: "That is interesting, but as long as they have the same fast car as the past few seasons it doesn't look like they are going to have trouble recruiting the right drivers. Max Verstappen is tied up with Red Bull until 2023, so if you look at it you could say Russell might have an extra opportunity of getting into that Mercedes seat in 2022."

10 Comments
Neil Henderson 09 February 2021 at 09:44+ 3182

maybe there will be a hamilton / mercedes cartoon series soon ?

Carolyn Peterkin Woody 10 February 2021 at 01:20+ 7900

Oh he is going to get much bigger after he retires and works with Merc full-time. I love it. Hamilton will be bigger in his next role with Merc than he is now. I guarantee it.

Fez Nene 08 February 2021 at 22:38+ 17880

Why is everyone so eager to fill in Lewis seat.. never had we seen any other driver's seat so coveted... let the man enjoy F1 in peace!

mp599 08 February 2021 at 22:02+ 11881

Mercedes has also the option to leave F1 after the 8th title, eventually to stay, but only as PU supplier.

Carolyn Peterkin Woody 09 February 2021 at 24:28+ 7900

Tot0 signed a 3-year contract and owns 1/3 of the team with Ineos 1/3 and Daimler 1/3. Both Toto and Sir James Radliff LOVE HAMILTON. His role in Mercedes will be expanding OFF THE TRACK. Awesome!

mp599 09 February 2021 at 24:36+ 11881

Toto counts Zero, as well as Ineos, if Mercedes (Daimler) decides to withdraw.
Toto and Ineos can buy the team from Daimler, but won't be allowed to use the firm without permission, whose fact (they can use) I doubt seriously.

Carolyn Peterkin Woody 09 February 2021 at 02:58+ 7900

Daimler needs the money after the recent settlements of all the emission cheating scandals. They are in a worse place than Toto and Ineos. Why do you think they sold most of the team in the first place?

Carolyn Peterkin Woody 09 February 2021 at 20:09+ 7900

That IS possible. They can pay Daimler to use the name. They will pay handsomely for that, but Daimler bought Mercedes and they don't call it Daimler, now do they. It's perfect for Daimler because they need the money. They are have commented they are thinking about getting out of F1. This would be a perfect way for them to do it. BTW - Sir James Radcliff is the wealthiest man in the US HIs company Ineos if owned PRIVATELY by him He can do what he wants and he loves Lewis Hamilton. They both live in Monaco! You have clearly underestimated the power of a Lewis Hamilton and his effect on others.

Carolyn Peterkin Woody 10 February 2021 at 24:30+ 7900

Daimler once owned Chrysler too. They spun it off but the company is still calledl Chrylser. Then can spin of Mercedes AMG who makes the F1 cars and it can still be called Mercedes-Benz. That is the name that makes the money - NOT Daimler. Anything is possible in business, my friend,

mp599 09 February 2021 at 22:36+ 11881

Daimler must be totally stupid to bind his name, like that, expecially now they are dropping Daimler to promote the old Mercedes-Benz.
Ratcliff is rich, but can't buy Mercedes, and it's ulikely one is so rich and stupid too.
LH will retire in 2022 (his best option, not to be caught in his weknesses) leaving a lot of desperate orphan cheerers crying.
He will be replaced by GR or Verstappen, with great satisfaction of Wolff, Ineos and Mercedes.