Rumours have been circulating around the paddock since the end of last season that Sir Lewis Hamilton would not sign another deal with Mercedes-AMG, instead to be replaced by fellow Brit, George Russell. However, after months of speculation, Hamilton has been confirmed to don the Silver Arrows’ jumpsuit for another season in F1, with a one-year extension as an option.
Written By Hafiz Akbar, Edited By Joe Kirk
The veteran Brit will be standing alongside his teammate for the last 4 years, Valtteri Bottas. The pair have won every Constructors’ Championships since they were first introduced back in 2017, with Hamilton claiming all 4 of the Drivers’ Championships. This near-total domination over the last few years brings an expectation that the Silver Arrows will win the 2021 season, topping their current record of 7 back-to-back titles and Hamilton, as the defending champion, may break the current record of 7 titles held by him and Michael Schumacher.
On the other side of the Mercedes garage, Valtteri Bottas is “to be replaced” with George Russell for the 2022 season following a statement from the Chairman of Daimler, stating, “His name is George Russell and not Max Verstappen”, explaining that, “In a single-race George proved to the world that, in a Silver Arrow, several drivers would be able to fight for the World Championship”. A blow to Valtteri Bottas, who has been heavily criticised for his performance in recent times, with many claiming he is unable to challenge Hamilton for the title.
Mercedes motorsport boss Toto Wolff says he never doubted a new deal would be agreed, stating, “We have always been aligned with Lewis that we would continue, but the very unusual year we had in 2020 meant it took some time to finish the process”.
Now Hamilton is officially confirmed for 2021, he may be on his way to a record breaking 8th world title with the team where he won 6 of his 7 current championships. The final details of the contract are yet to be revealed however, with the controversial teammate veto that Hamilton had supposedly asked for still unannounced.