Amid the recent contract negotiations with Mercedes, Lewis Hamilton has been denied an amount of $245,000,000. This was the amount that Mercedes was set to pay Hamilton if the British driver would have been the ambassador to the German automotive giants for a period of ten years.
Despite the denial, the seven-time world champion is willing to keep his ties with the Silver Arrows as the recent meeting with the higher-ups ended on a positive note.
Admittedly, there are multiple things at play in this contract negotiation. With Briton’s contract expiring this season, the Silver Arrows are playing hardball. Apart from denying the ambassador chances, the Brackley brigade has also been indolent off late.
Moreover, the 38-year-old is no more a world champion, which gives the Silver Arrows an extra edge in the discussion. In spite of everything, Mercedes has made it very clear that they are keen to continue working with the multiple world champion.
Despite complex contract and denial, Hamilton wants to stay
After a series of considerations and reconsiderations, Hamilton and Mercedes’ are set to extend the much-talked-about contract anytime soon.
Speaking about it to Sky Sports, the seven-time world champion has been candid about it. He said, “We had a good meeting just recently. They are very complex contracts. It’s not just a simple driving contract.”
What are the Boss and LH looking at here? 👀 pic.twitter.com/yVH2I73Bsm
— Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@MercedesAMGF1) June 25, 2023
“Right now, I’m planning to be here and racing for a decent chunk of time. You have just got to explore all avenues in the sense of how you can continue to expand your partnership with such a great organization,” further asserted Briton.
While there are many talks about the rush of the extension or as to when the contract will be finalized, Hamilton was in no hurry. Talking about this, he said, “It’s not as easy as just saying ‘go ahead’ – and I don’t have to be in a rush.”
Contract ordeal and aftermath
As per reports, the Mercedes star is expected to have his contract announced in the upcoming race in Silverstone. Hamilton being a Brit and taking the British circuit, there can’t be a better time to announce his stay.
Despite the contract extension, the urge to be an ambassador for the German automotive giants will always be a thing in mind for Lewis Hamilton.
However, it’ll be interesting to see if the Silver Arrows approach the star driver in the future with a lower price as $245,000,000 certainly felt a bit out of proportion for them.
