Lewis Hamilton has been an invaluable asset for Mercedes. Ever since joining the team in 2013, the Briton has gone on to win six world championship titles with the Silver Arrows. Over the years, he has grown closer and closer to all the crew members at Mercedes. However, team principal Toto Wolff has revealed that it is very difficult for him to negotiate Lewis Hamilton’s salary while talking about contract extensions.
Hamilton’s current contract with Mercedes expires by the end of 2023. The British driver has claimed that he wants to extend his contract with the team and the renewal is nothing but a formality.
When Formula 1 champion Lewis Hamilton crosses the finish line, the cameras typically pan to Toto Wolff cheering behind the scenes.
Wolff is the Austrian CEO & head of Mercedes-Benz Motorsport.
This is his story 👇 pic.twitter.com/yMn9lV0wAd
— Polina M. Pompliano (@polina_marinova) October 6, 2021
Both parties have agreed upon a temporary solution regarding the issue. It is Hamilton’s manager Penny Thow who acts as the intermediate between him and Toto Wolff while talking about contract negotiations, especially salary.
Lewis Hamilton and Toto Wolff are not on the same page currently
The main issue that makes it difficult for Toto is how close he is to Hamilton. He said, “It’s very embarrassing. Every three years we know we have this moment. And it’s like negotiating financial terms with your best friend, with a close friend.”
However, Toto Wolff has also admitted that he is not on terms with the current demands made by Lewis Hamilton about his salary rise. Toto said, “This may be the only time in ten or eleven years that we’ve been together and our goals diverged.”
But at the same time, Toto feels awkward talking to a close friend like Hamilton about money. He explained that he does want the best for Hamilton, but as the team principal, he also has to look out for the interests of the team.
Hamilton has had other tense situations with Mercedes
Things have gotten tense between Mercedes and Hamilton on a few other occasions as well. The disagreements have especially escalated due to the lack of performance of Mercedes in recent years.
During the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, Hamilton openly accused his team of ignoring his advice and not listening to his suggestions about the development of the car. However, Hamilton cleared it out later that despite the differences, he wants to stay with Mercedes for the near future.
