The long-running saga over Lewis Hamilton’s future with Mercedes is at an end after the parties announced the finalisation of a new agreement on Monday.
Hamilton has been affiliated with Mercedes throughout his entire Formula 1 career, having been powered by its engines when at McLaren, and joined the works team in 2013.
Hamilton has since gone on to take seven world titles, and 95 victories, though his future had been the cause of much speculation across the last 12 months.
On Monday it was confirmed by Mercedes that an agreement has been reached to cover the 2021 season.
Mercedes revealed that “a significant part of the new agreement builds upon the joint commitment to greater diversity and inclusion in motorsport that was made last year by Lewis and Mercedes.
“This will take the form of a joint charitable foundation, which will have the mission of supporting greater diversity and inclusion in all its forms in motorsport.”
Hamilton was last year a prominent part of a push for greater equality, launching his own commission, while Mercedes changed to an all-black livery once the championship resumed after lockdown.
“I am excited to be heading into my ninth season with my Mercedes team-mates,” said Hamilton.
“Our team has achieved incredible things together and we look forward to building on our success even further, while continuously looking to improve, both on and off the track.
“I’m equally determined to continue the journey we started to make motorsport more diverse for future generations and I am grateful that Mercedes has been extremely supportive of my call to address this issue.
“I’m proud to say we are taking that effort further this year by launching a foundation dedicated to diversity and inclusion in the sport.
“I am inspired by all that we can build together and can’t wait to get back on the track in March.”
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