In 2020, Lewis Hamilton statistically became one of the most successful Formula 1 drivers of all time, having equalled Michael Schumacher's seven world titles as well as surpassing the German's long-standing record of achieving the most race wins. On paper, things had never looked better for Hamilton. Yet in 2021, his future suddenly seems more unclear than ever. For a brief while, there were even questions about whether Hamilton would be on the grid at all this season given the delays in announcing his contract. When it was finally confirmed in February - a matter of weeks before the opening race - it was revealed to be a one-year deal for 2021 only, marking this as the first time he has not signed a multi-year contract. Cue more questions about what his future plans might be, and further speculation over whether this year could be his last as an F1 driver. It appears, then, that Hamilton's future beyond 2021 is still not decided - so what could influence his decision on whether to stay or go? Some fans have questioned whether the Briton could walk away from the sport should he achieve a record-breaking eighth world title this year. Yet this idea might have had a spanner thrown in the works due to Mercedes' apparent struggles in pre-season testing. The team openly claimed that, based on their performance at the test in Bahrain, they are not as fast as Red Bull, and have work to do in order to be able to catch up. This may well play on Hamilton's mind regarding his future. Yet there is one key factor that could decide his plans which has nothing to do with on-track performance. That is his passion for activism and increasing diversity in the sport.
Despite his numerous achievements as a driver in 2020, it is his work as an activist that Hamilton appears most proud of. The Briton was a driving force in trying to promote diversity last year, and was key in pushing for the pre-race moment where many drivers took a knee to symbolise commitment to ending racism. Working for these wider causes seems to have sparked a new passion in Hamilton, one that he recently revealed he wants to be acknowledged for above anything when asked how he would like to be remembered. "I don't really know. I haven't really thought about it. Maybe Game Changer, voice for equality or something like that," the Mercedes driver told Sky Sports F1. Hamilton's commitment to his activism work has already appeared to play a key role in negotiating his future as a Formula 1 driver. When his new Mercedes deal with announced, it also came with the news that a significant part of the agreement involved team and driver building on their joint commitment towards increasing diversity and inclusion. This will be done via a charitable organisation, and Hamilton spoke of his pride over this initiative when the contract was announced. "I am grateful that Mercedes has been extremely supportive of my call to address this issue," the seven-times world champion said. "I’m proud to say we are taking that effort further this year by launching a foundation dedicated to diversity and inclusion in the sport. I am inspired by all that we can build together and can’t wait to get back on the track in March." Evidently, this cause was a matter of great significance to Hamilton in signing his deal with the team, and remains a priority for the future. Whilst the Briton and Mercedes will aim to build on the activism work they have started, Hamilton has made it clear that he wants to see action rather than just words from Formula 1 as a whole too.
Formula 1 announced the We Race As One movement in 2020, which primarily focused on issues of racial injustice and the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. This season the initiative will expand to focus on the key areas of sustainability, diversity and inclusion, and community. The drivers met with new F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali at the Bahrain test to discuss plans for the movement in 2021, and Hamilton praised Domenicali for taking this step. However, the Briton has also made it clear that he believes F1 should be building on what was achieved last year. He explained in Bahrain: "They are making some adjustments which I think are positive. I think last year there were a lot of slogans but action is needed this year so that was something that was expressed to us. "We have to make sure we continue to have that conversation, continue to make sure that action is taken this year as we push to have diversity and inclusion in this sport. I think we're aligned with that goal and achieving it together." Hamilton obviously wants this matter to be a key focus in 2021. With his passion for the cause being so great, it seems that a failure on Formula 1's part to utilise actions rather than just words would not go down well with the Mercedes driver. It is hard to imagine that Hamilton would be happy to remain a key figure in the sport if he felt that the action being taken was not enough. If Hamilton wants his legacy in F1 to be that of a game-changer in terms of bringing about wider social change, then the ability of himself, Mercedes and Formula 1 to work towards doing this in 2021 could be pivotal in how he feels about his future. Yet it could go either way; if Hamilton is satisfied with the activism done this year, would he feel that could be his ideal moment to bow out, with his goal somewhat achieved? Or if he deems the progress made to not be enough, could it encourage him to stay to do further work, or to walk away and work towards the cause in his own right? It poses a fascinating question, and makes his future beyond 2021 even harder to decipher. Whilst on-track performance will be there for all to see, Hamilton's personal feelings about whether his off-track work has achieved enough will only be known to him.
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