Formula 1: Indication that Lewis Hamilton will be back in 2021
By Asher Fair
Seven-time Formula 1 champion Lewis Hamilton was included on the initial FIA entry list for the 2021 season, indicating that a return is probable.
Fresh off his seventh Formula 1 world championship, which was his sixth with Mercedes in the last seven seasons and his fourth in a row, Lewis Hamilton is no longer under contract to drive for the Silver Arrows.
There are just two remaining open seats in the 2021 driver lineup, and the seat alongside Valtteri Bottas, who signed a one-year contract extension back in early August, is one which remains vacant.
As a result, there are questions surrounding the future of the 35-year-old Briton and whether or not he will continue competing in the sport.
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The 2020 season was characterized by Hamilton tying and breaking records that had been held by seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher.
In addition to tying his world titles record, Hamilton surpassed Schumacher’s wins record, his podium finishes record, his points finishes record, his wins for a single constructor record and his podium finishes with a single constructor record, among several others. He also tied his record for most wins in a single Grand Prix, having won the Hungarian Grand Prix at the Hungaroring for the eighth time.
At this point, what more does Hamilton have to prove?
But it does appear likely that Hamilton will be back for a 15th season in Formula 1 and a ninth season with Mercedes next year, with a return effectively implied.
Not only have Hamilton and the Brackley-based team both made clear that they do want to continue on together for at least another year, with the former noting that he would like to officially get the pen to paper by Christmas, but the team listed him on the initial FIA entry list for the 2021 season ahead of this past Sunday’s season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at Yas Marina Circuit.
Of course, this is always subject to change this far out, especially since Hamilton is no longer under contract with the team to compete in any more events, but it is a clear indicator that all signs plan to move forward together in 2021.
Make note of the fact that not even Yuki Tsunoda, who has since been confirmed as the replacement for Daniil Kvyat at AlphaTauri, was included on this list, despite the fact that him joining the Red Bull sister team was effectively the sport’s worst kept secret pertaining to next year’s driver lineup.
Additionally, Mercedes have also tied down team principal and CEO Toto Wolff through 2023, further indicating that an extension for Hamilton is close as he seeks to move from seven-time champion to become the sport’s first eight-time champion.
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The confirmation of Hamilton at Mercedes for the 2021 Formula 1 season would leave only Red Bull with an open seat in their driver lineup. They have yet to confirm whether Alexander Albon will return for another year alongside Max Verstappen or if Sergio Perez will be moving in as his replacement, a decision they plan to make in the very near future.