Following months of questions, speculation and rumours, Mercedes confirmed Lewis Hamilton's place in the team for the upcoming 2021 season on Monday morning. During this time, a variety of reports made plenty of suggestions. Team boss Toto Wolff says he has "heard some nonsense stories" before the contract was signed.
Fans were forced to wait a while, but the deal has now been confirmed. Hamilton will stay at Mercedes for at least another season and try to reach uncharted territory by winning an eighth F1 World Championship.
Lots of rumours
While fans waited, plenty of rumours started to circulate about the reason for the delay. Did Mercedes want to pick George Russell? Was Hamilton asking for too much money? A teammate veto? The list ran on and included this perhaps tongue in cheek tweet from former World Champion Damon Hill.