Paris (AFP)

Lewis Hamilton, who has signed a new contract with Mercedes for 2021, is aiming for a record 8th world title that would be "an ultimate dream" but not the "deciding factor" as to whether he will continue in 2022 or not, he said. explained in a press conference on Tuesday.

Q: You can reach the record of eight world championship titles ahead of Michael Schumacher.

Could not achieving this in 2021 push you to continue?

A: “I don't want that to be the deciding factor. I got into auto racing because I love racing and I think it should always be at the heart of what I do. want, these are the rewards, if all you want is the titles, I feel like you can get lost. Of course, this is the ultimate dream, but I don't think that is necessarily the decisive factor to stop or continue. But rather: when I put on this helmet, do I still have that smile when I leave the garage? In short: do I like it? "

Q: Why did you only sign one year of contract?

Is this a sign of less commitment?

A: “I'm fully invested in this season and still love what I do. I'm just in a privileged position that doesn't require me to commit for several years. I can see how the year is going. and where we are in the middle of the year, or towards the end of the year, who knows where we will be, still with the pandemic ... But I'm still very, very committed to this sport ".

Q: Apart from competition, how are you going to continue your fight against discrimination, especially through the foundation that you want to create with Mercedes?

A: “That's what I'm really focusing on this year. (For the foundation) the goal is to have something to present in June or July and make sure it's not just a new commission among others, and therefore to make recommendations, to understand what the obstacles are. I am very proud of Mercedes, which is open to change. Set up a foundation and invest money, push for a real systematic change within our own organization is fantastic. And if we really do what we plan to do, we will create pathways for young minorities so that they can access STEM disciplines ( science, technology, engineering and mathematics, editor's note) and I really hope that in the future, we will see that the diversity will be greater because everyone will find their benefit ".

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