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Lewis Hamilton's contract renewal with Mercedes was the major talking point amid the F1 fanatics for the major part of the off-season. Although Mercedes did manage to get him to renew his contract but for just one more season. Despite the uncertain nature of their future together, Mercedes boss Toto Wolff reckons Hamilton will stay committed to the team during 2021.
Notably, the contract renewal between the two parties continued to get delayed as they mutually could not agree to certain terms. Various rumours also emerged after the renewal was confirmed which suggested that Hamilton was not really happy with the deal.
Speaking on this issue, Wolff has a completely different take. He believes that the contract will offer both the parties flexibility and a lot of time to decide whether to extend the contract or part ways.
No doubt about his commitment, says Wolff
"No, no doubt about his commitment," Wolff said in an interview with Autosport.
"There are new priorities for all of us in terms of the way we live our health. He’s very passionate about his initiatives, against racism and inequality. 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 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," he further said.
"We have agreed that 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," he concluded.
It remains to be seen if the 36-year-old can clinch the record-shattering eighth title this season.