F1 Rumour: Lewis Hamilton And Mercedes Reach Road Block In Contract Negotiations
The long-anticipated renewal of Lewis Hamilton's contract with Mercedes remains unresolved. Hamilton, who's been with the Brackley-based squad for 11 seasons, is due for contract termination at the end of 2023. Despite both parties signalling their interest in continuation, the official confirmation of renewal is yet to surface.
Toto Wolff, the Mercedes team boss, has downplayed the seriousness of the delay, hinting that sealing the deal is just a formality. However, as another weekend concludes with no agreement in sight, there's speculation about the factors behind the delay.
According to reports, a one-year contract with a second-year option is on offer. Yet, Mercedes management seems hesitant about Hamilton's demand for a 10-year term as a Mercedes brand ambassador after his driving career which is reported to be worth £20m a year. While these negotiations are ongoing, rumours of a seat swap between Hamilton and Ferrari's Charles Leclerc circulated, but Hamilton dismissed them. He stated:
“I plan on staying longer. It’s just not set in stone how long. I plan on staying with Mercedes for the rest of my life, that’s a definite."
Speaking about the delay in contract renewal, Hamilton admitted:
"We had a good meeting just recently. They’re very complex, contracts. So it’s not just a simple driving contract.”
The British driver has won six out of his seven drivers' championship with Mercedes. This deep connection raises questions about why Mercedes might not want to keep him as a brand ambassador.
Hamilton's influence stretches beyond racing. His Hamilton Commission has inspired Mercedes' diversity programme, 'Accelerate 25', targeting at least 25% minority representation among new hires. In association with his Mission44 charity, he's also launched a motorsport scholarship programme at the Royal Academy of Engineering. Considering these initiatives and the phenomenal success they've shared, it's puzzling why Hamilton and Mercedes might not continue their relationship post Hamilton's racing tenure.