Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton admits that the "core drive" for him this year is the push for diversity in his sport.

The Briton won a record-equalling seventh World Drivers' Championship title last year, to match German F1 legend Michael Schumacher.

This season Hamilton will be driving the new Mercedes W12, an upgrade of last year's car which dominated the season with 13 wins in 17 races, and which has retained the team's black anti-racism livery for a second season.

"The main priority in 2021.. in the past, it was about just winning the championship...last year there was a lot of discussion about equality and inclusion, and I think there was a lot of talk," said Hamilton at the launch of the new car on Tuesday.

"This year, it's all about pushing for diversity and really making sure there's action taken. So that's kind of at the core of the drive for me."

Hamilton added: "But of course we exist to win, that's what all these guys and girls [at the factory] are working towards. And so that's my goal, to deliver that for them."

Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton of Britain, right, is flanked by Mercedes driver Valtteri Bottas of Finland on the podium after winning the Formula One Grand Prix of Tuscany, at the Mugello circuit in Scarperia, Italy, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2020. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno, Pool)

Mercedes revealed last month that Hamilton had signed a new deal but the 36-year-old only committed to the UK-based team for one year.

He revealed the reason as to why the new deal was such a short one, unlike the multi-year deals he has signed in the past.

"We're living through an unusual period of time in life and I just wanted one year," added the 36-year-old.

"Then we can talk about if we do more, and keep adding it [by] one if we have to."