LEWIS HAMILTON has lifted the lid on his Mercedes contract saga saying he only ever wanted a one-year deal.
The Formula One world champion had stalled on signing a new deal with the Silver Arrows.
And when it was finally confirmed last month, it proved to be a ten-month contract worth £40million.
It had been expected that the 36-year-old was agreeing terms over a two-year deal.
But Hamilton says he only wanted a short-term contract.
It increased speculation that he could retire from F1 at the end of this season in which he is looking to win a stand-alone record eighth world crown.
Hamilton said: “I am in a fortunate position where I have achieved most of the stuff I have wanted to achieve up to this point.
“So there is no real need to plan too far ahead in the future.
“I think we are living in an unusual period of time and you look at life and I just wanted one year.
“Then, we can talk about if we want to do one more, and then add one if we have to.”
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Hamilton was speaking at the launch of this season’s F1 car and was also quizzed as to the most important aspect of his year ahead.
But rather than winning the title, Hamilton says what matters more to him is continuing his push for equality.
He added: “The main priority for 2021… in the past it was just about winning championships but now it is about pushing.
“Last year there was a lot of discussion about equality and inclusion.
“There was a lot of talk and so this year it is about pushing for diversity and making sure that action is taken.
“That is at the core of the drive for me but of course, we exist to win.
“And that’s what all these guys and girls are working towards at Mercedes.
“That’s also my goal, to also achieve it for them.”
