After months and months of deliberation, Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes have finally reached an agreement to continue their successful partnership today. The long wait meant there were a few sticking points in the negotiation, and now, a major detail of the contract is hinting towards a compromise between the two parties.

It was earlier believed that Lewis would at least be getting a two-year contract from the Silver Arrows. However, they sprung a surprise when the official confirmation came for just 2021.

But what may have been the reason for this solitary year deal?

An impending retirement for Lewis Hamilton

The former McLaren driver is a veteran of the sport now. While he remains at the peak of his powers, at 36 years of age, the clock is winding down on his glorious career.

Time and time again, he has given various subtle hints of walking away from the sport. Hamilton was contemplating retirement during the COVID lockdown before coming back rejuvenated to clinch a record-equaling seventh world title.

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While it aspires him to change F1 and the community for the greater good, from a sporting perspective, his only real motivation is to dethrone Michael Schumacher from the top of the Driver’s Title charts. So, he may walk after reaching that goal in the upcoming season.

Mercedes looking to develop Hamilton’s successor – George Russell or Max Verstappen eyed

Given that Lewis’ retirement is a likely possibility in the next couple of years, Mercedes will need to have an eye towards the future as well.

Plenty of young guns like Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc are in their early 20s and threatening to rule F1. Then, there is the curious case of George Russell; the Mercedes Academy graduate set the paddock alight with his performance in Sakhir. He is the favorite to take over from Lewis.

Incoming technical regulations (reduced budget & potential salary cap)

The much-awaited 2022 regulations will apparently reset the order of the grid. But not just aerodynamic changes, they are also meant to change the financial landscape of F1. A salary cap of $30 million for both the drivers in the team is being discussed in the room. His current salary alone (close to $40 million) is beyond that.

“We see a development in the near future, not only with the budget cap [from 2021] but also with the technical rule change [for the 2022 season], where I think you have to keep your eyes open. But let’s put it this way: We are not far away,” Wolff told RTL.

Dynamic driver market for 2022

The 2022 driver market will definitely see a lot of movement. Ace driver Sebastian Vettel is on an optional basis for 2022 with Aston Martin, meaning he could potentially opt-out and seek greener pastures, yet again. That may be the reason for also giving Valtteri Bottas a deal for just 2021.

They are keeping their options open for both the race seats. Perhaps, we might see an all-conquering partnership of Max Verstappen and George Russell in the garage. Whatever it may well be, Mercedes have kept their options open with this shrewd move.

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