Hamilton’s longterm future uncertain
LONDON: Lewis Hamilton’s new Formula One deal has ended speculation about his plans for this season but the oneyear duration raises questions about how long the seven times world champion will stick around.
All of the 36yearold Mercedes driver’s previous deals have been multiyear agreements, but a shorter one buys time for both sides while other issues are worked through.
‘‘It’s an unusual announcement for such a team and such a driver, it must be said,’’ former driver and Sky television commentator Martin Brundle said.
‘‘Clearly at least one of the parties wanted to keep their options open going forward. I suspect that was MercedesBenz, and so they put it to bed for this year, and then they are saying that they will sort 2022 out somewhat earlier.’’
Hamilton will be favourite for an unprecedented eighth crown, and a recordextending 100th win, this year, but his future will remain in focus.
Team boss Toto Wolff acknowledged that yesterday after Mercedes announced the Briton, who was out of contract, had agreed an extension to take him into a ninth season with the team.
‘‘It is an important contract,’’ the Austrian said.
‘‘It is important because of this season and how we want to position ourselves from 2022 onwards and how is his thinking.
‘‘Lewis needs to decide what his future holds for him,’’ he added.
‘‘The team needs to decide in the long term what we want to do about drivers.’’
Finland’s Valtteri Bottas is out of contract at the end of 2021 and significant rule changes for 2022 could see a shakeup on track.
Mercedes is also the only team with two drivers over the age of 30.
‘‘Young drivers are the future, therefore we need to consider how we want to set ourselves up for the years beyond,’’ said Wolff.
The Austrian has long been a fan of Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, under contract to the end of 2023, but Mercedes also has Britain’s George Russell, the 2019 Formula Two champion, on its books and in the last year of his contract at Williams.
Wolff indicated that whatever Hamilton decides, the relationship with the sport’s most successful driver of all time would continue longterm on another level.
Hamilton and Mercedes also announced yesterday plans for a joint foundation dedicated to diversity and inclusion in the sport.
‘‘The idea of the foundation, credit where credit is due, came from (Daimler head) Ola Kaellenius, when we discussed between Lewis, Ola and myself,’’ said Wolff.
‘‘We are going to run it jointly. It also shows there is an alliance and a relationship much beyond 2021.’’
The season starts in Bahrain on March 28. — Reuters