Questions surrounding Lewis Hamilton’s one-year formula one contract

Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes-AMG Petronas have finally come to an agreement to complete the 2021 Formula One driver line-up with only a month before pre-season testing begins in Bahrain

Questions surrounding Lewis Hamilton’s one-year formula one contract

The seven-time world champion has finally put pen-to-paper with Mercedes as both parties came to an agreement, transgressing into their ninth season together.

But the contract only covers the upcoming season, nothing more.

This poses a series of questions regarding the dominating champions and the, seemingly unbeatable, world champion.

Why only 2021?

One question many are, and will be, asking is why the seven-time world champion has agreed to a one-year contract rather than a multi-year deal with the dominating Silver Arrows?

Last season, Hamilton was one of the key challengers behind F1’s ‘End Racism’ campaign alongside their ‘We Race As One’ slogan as the, now, seven time world champion charges forward for diversity and equality in the motorsport.

It would have seemed fitting to see the British driver sticking with the Brackley-outfit for two years or more as he looks to secure a better future for the sport.

Reportedly, the Mercedes drivers agreement is a consequence of the late contract talks which wasn’t helped by the Briton’s Covid-19 diagnosis in 2020 and Toto Wolf’s positive test earlier this year.

However, his teammate, Valtteri Bottas, was only given a one-year extension on his contract for 2021 – potentially, this could be the kind of contract drivers should now expect if they join the Silver Arrows.

Is it due to the 2022 regulations?

As teams and drivers will be essentially driving with last year’s car this season – granted with upgrades. In 2022, the sport will be taking on a whole new look.

The cars will pose a new design which will allow them to overtake other drivers easier than it is currently. In addition the regulation will allow closer racing by reducing the amount of ‘dirty air’ (turbulent wake from car’s ahead).

From Hamilton’s viewpoint, the one-year contract may be ideal for the world champion.

It would allow the Briton to take into consideration his personal beliefs of climate change, diversity and equality before putting pen-to-paper once again.

In addition, it could allow the racing driver to pass down the championship-winning-mantle to another driver as F1 ventures into a new era of racing.

Could he retire?

The 36 year old is well within the bracket of the average driver retirement age from the pinnacle of motorsport, which sits around the 30-40 year old mark.

Which is mostly down to reaction time, fitness levels etc. that usually decrease as you get older.

Although time is running out on the Briton’s career in F1, he could finish this season with an eighth world title and continue fighting to win even more.

The Mercedes driver also has a team competing in the Xtreme E racing event later this year, X44, which could provide an exit for the British driver if he desires to do so.

However, not all drivers give up their seat in F1 as Kimi Raikkonen stands as the oldest driver on the grid at the golden age of 41.

We hope you enjoyed Questions surrounding Lewis Hamilton’s one-year formula one contract. Why do you think he agreed to a one-year deal? Let us know in the comments!

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