Mercedes unveils car for Hamilton’s record-breaking F1 bid

<p>BRACKLEY, England &mdash; Mercedes has unveiled the car Lewis Hamilton will drive this season while trying to win an unprecedented eighth Formula One title.</p>
<p>The W12 car, presented Tuesday, retains the black introduced last year as part of the team’s campaign against racism and discrimination, and adds a touch of its more traditional silver.</p>
<p>The 36-year-old Hamilton, who signed a one-year contract extension last month, is bidding to move one title clear of Michael Schumacher. Meanwhile, Mercedes will be chasing an eighth drivers’ and constructors’ double.</p>
<p>Since joining Mercedes for the 2013 season, Hamilton has won six world titles — moving him level with Schumacher with a record seven for his career.</p>
<p>Hamilton, who has won 74 races with Mercedes, said earning an eighth title “is the ultimate dream, but I don’t think it will be the deciding factor as to whether I stay or keep going."</p>
<p>“I got into racing because I love racing and that has to be the core of what I do. If all you are going for is accolades and titles, I feel like I could lose my way," Hamilton said. “It is whether I still have that smile when I put on that helmet and leave the garage and whether I still enjoy it."</p>
<p>Hamilton will be teaming up with Valtteri Bottas for a fifth consecutive year.</p>
<p>The 2021 F1 season begins this month in Bahrain.</p>
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