Unusual deal for Hamilton: 'Mercedes wants free choice for 2022'

Lewis Hamilton has finally renewed his contract with Mercedes, but after long negotiations they only agreed on a one-year contract. Martin Brundle is clearly questioning this news.

Remarkable situation for Hamilton

Hamilton and Mercedes took a long time before anything was announced about the new contract. In the statements of the news there is enough to read about the long term plans they have, but the contract is again only for one year. What is going on in the background and why would Mercedes not want to keep the seven-time world champion?

''I think a one-year contract for this combination of driver and team is unusual. It seems as if both parties thought 'oh, the season is coming up with the test in one month, let's get on with it'. That they have therefore opted for a one-year deal is all haste'', Brundle told Sky Sports.

Mercedes makes the choice

''We now have the remarkable situation that all potential candidates for a Mercedes seat are without a contract at the end of 2021. George Russell, Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas all have expiring contracts and who knows who else will be released into the market. In my view, this contract means Mercedes wanted to have complete freedom to choose in 2022.''

Yet Brundle still has every confidence in Hamilton. ''He is 36 years old, but with the freshness of someone ten years younger. I don't see his mental or physical decline either. He works hard and is still hungry for success. We will see him on the track for the next three years, but I can also imagine him stopping when he sees that his performance is declining'', concludes the former Formula One driver.