Breaking news
Formula 1
Hamilton on F1 contract talk distractions: "Not my first rodeo"
Mercedes Formula 1 driver Lewis Hamilton doesn't believe his one-year contract extension will be a cause for distraction throughout 2021, saying "it's not my first rodeo" dealing with contract speculation.
Filip Cleeren Alex Kalinauckas
Edited: Mar 5, 2021, 9:38 PM
Copy link
Share on Viber
Hamilton's previous Mercedes contract expired after the 2020 season, prompting lots of media interest on his F1 future throughout the year.
After clinching his seventh world championship Hamilton headed into the off-season without signing a new agreement, which further fuelled the fire despite signs that all parties were committed to agreeing a new deal.
It took until early February, just five weeks before the start of winter testing in Bahrain, for Hamilton and Mercedes to finally put pen to paper on a fresh one-year contract.
However, Hamilton's short-term deal means he might face a repeat of 2020, with his future soon becoming a talking point at every race weekend.
Asked if he fears contract chatter will become a distraction, Hamilton replied he doesn't believe it will add any pressure.
"Time will tell, I guess. It's not like it's my first rodeo," Hamilton said.
"I think I've been in this position where at least I've been asked the question for a period of time. I don't really feel pressured in that sense.
"Naturally, I continue to have huge belief in and always bet on myself in terms of, I know what it takes to deliver."
Read Also:
- Hamilton explains decision to sign one-year Mercedes extension
- How Hamilton's one-year deal opens up the 2022 driver market
- The key answers on Hamilton's new Mercedes deal
Despite just signing a one-year deal, Hamilton's "extraordinary" ties with Mercedes were further strengthened off track by setting up a joint charitable foundation to support greater diversity and inclusion in motorsport, a cause Hamilton is deeply invested in.
"I think I have an extraordinary relationship with Mercedes that's incredibly deep and I think there's more than just racing that we will probably end up doing together," he added.
"As you've already seen, with this foundation, there are a lot of great things that we will do moving forwards.
"That will be a constant discussion through the year I'm sure. And in terms of whether this is where I want to continue, if this is the road I want to continue down? It will come to me, I'm sure.
"I'm fully invested in this season and in delivering. I still love what I do. I'm just generally in a fortunate position that I don't have to commit to multiple years. So, I chose to have a one-year deal so that I could see how the year goes."
We want your opinion!
What would you like to see on Motorsport.com?
Take our 5 minute survey.
- The Motorsport.com Team
Read and post comments
Read also :
Share Or Save This Story
Copy link
Share on Viber
Previous article F1 can react quickly if further cost cuts needed - Steiner
Next article Bottas focused on mental gains in "extreme" winter training
Top Comments
There are no comments at the moment. Would you like to write one?
View More & Comment
More from
Filip Cleeren
Alex Albon dismisses Fernando Alonso criticism: 'F1 has no more pay drivers'
Formula 1
Formula 1
Mexican GP
5 h
Alex Albon dismisses Fernando Alonso criticism: 'F1 has no more pay drivers'
Sergio Perez signs fresh Cadillac F1 deal until 2029
Formula 1
Formula 1
Mexican GP
Sergio Perez signs fresh Cadillac F1 deal until 2029
More from
Lewis Hamilton
The mistakes that cost Lewis Hamilton a podium at F1’s US GP
Formula 1
Formula 1
United States GP
The mistakes that cost Lewis Hamilton a podium at F1’s US GP
Fred Vasseur reveals two costly moments that denied Ferrari US GP double podium
Formula 1
Formula 1
United States GP
Fred Vasseur reveals two costly moments that denied Ferrari US GP double podium
More from
Mercedes
George Russell on F1 title loss: 'This year won't break me'
Formula 1
Formula 1
Mexican GP
6 h
George Russell on F1 title loss: 'This year won't break me'
Unwell Kimi Antonelli skips F1 Mexico GP media day
Formula 1
Formula 1
Mexican GP
10 h
Unwell Kimi Antonelli skips F1 Mexico GP media day
Latest news
Cetilar unveils blue Ferrari 499P ahead of Hypercar debut
Asian Le Mans
AsLM Asian Le Mans 1 h
Cetilar unveils blue Ferrari 499P ahead of Hypercar debut
2026 MotoGP Malaysian Grand Prix – How to watch, session times & more
MotoGP
MGP MotoGP
Malaysian GP
2 h
2026 MotoGP Malaysian Grand Prix – How to watch, session times & more
"Two steps forward, one step back" – Oscar Piastri explains the route out of McLaren's car woes
Formula 1
F1 Formula 1
Mexican GP
3 h
"Two steps forward, one step back" – Oscar Piastri explains the route out of McLaren's car woes
Denny Hamlin proud of season despite another likely missed title
NASCAR Cup
NAS NASCAR Cup
Martinsville II
4 h
Denny Hamlin proud of season despite another likely missed title
Feature
Discover prime content
Subscribe and access Motorsport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
You have 2 options:
- Become a subscriber.
- Disable your adblocker.
Subscribe now Already subscribed? Sign in here
Already disabled your adblocker?
Reload page
Manage Alerts
Subscribe