Hamilton deal to be announced this week and includes 'Verstappen clause'

A deal between Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes for the fast-approaching 2021 Formula 1 season has been agreed and will be announced soon according to reports.

It had looked in doubt for a while after his existing contract expired at the end of last season and negotiations over a new one dragged on longer than anyone would have imagined. However, it appears to have finally been resolved, meaning Hamilton will drive for Mercedes in 2021 and attempt to make history by winning a record-breaking eighth world title.

Reports in Germany have surfaced that a new contract is to be signed at the beginning of this week and will be announced in the coming days. According to F1 Insider, it’s a one-year deal worth around €40 million, with the option for a second should the Brit wish. That would (hopefully) mean we won’t have to go through all this again next year.

The same site also reported last week that the Brit wanted in his contract what has now been coined the ‘Verstappen clause’ granting him the option to veto any potential future teammate(s). And according to the Italian Gazzetta dello Sport, Mercedes have granted Hamilton's wish.