KEY POINTS

  • Lewis Hamilton only signed a one-year deal with Mercedes
  • Mercedes boss Toto Wolff bares that there's a reason why the team and Hamilton only agreed to a short-term deal
  • Wolff is confident about the seven-time world champion's commitment 

Mercedes CEO Toto Wolff insists that Lewis Hamilton’s short-term deal isn’t something to worry about.

The delay in Hamilton’s contract renewal with Mercedes was a hot subject heading into the new season. In fact, it was only until last month when the seven-time world champion officially inked a new deal with the renowned Formula One team.

While many expected that Hamilton and Mercedes will seal a long-term deal, considering the success they’ve had in recent times, the Brit only signed a one-year deal, emphasizing there’s no need to rush on things.

Addressing the issue, Wolff clarified that Mercedes didn’t want to be in the same situation where Hamilton and the team haven’t agreed to anything yet with just weeks away from the start of the season.

According to the Mercedes boss, they decided to seal a short-term deal for now in order to have ample time to plan things up with Hamilton in the future.

“We have agreed we want to pick up the discussions much earlier this year, to avoid a situation like we had in 2020, to run out of time and be in the uncomfortable position that there is no time left before the beginning of the season,” Wolff told Motorsport.com of Hamilton’s one-year deal.

“And that’s also why we only did a one-year contract, in order to allow us to discuss the future in racing and outside of racing longer and with the right amount of time,” he continued. “As a matter of fact, I think if Lewis continues to race, we will want to do this together. And we will discuss it shortly.”

Seven heaven?: Lewis Hamilton is looking to equal Michael Schmacher's record of seven world titles
Seven heaven?: Lewis Hamilton is looking to equal Michael Schmacher's record of seven world titles AFP / Giuseppe CACACE

2020 has been big for Hamilton. Apart from an array of accomplishments in the sport, the Formula One superstar has also been committed to the fight against racism.

Despite Hamilton’s busy life outside the Formula One track, Wolff understands the situation of his star driver being an influential figure.

“No, no doubt about his [Hamilton’s] commitment,” the team principal stated. “First of all, he enjoys racing a lot. We enjoy working with each other and we discussed that a lot, but he’s absolutely right. Times change.”

“He’s very passionate about his initiatives against racism and inequality,” he added. “I think it’s fair enough for a driver that has won seven Championships to give himself the flexibility in his mind to decide what he wants to do in the future. Whether this is racing or outside of the circus.”

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