Over the past few weeks, Mercedes and Lewis Hamilton have been in talks over the contract extension. The Silver Arrows were recently rumored to offer the Briton a $49,000,000 contract to retain his services. Although, no solid pen-to-paper deal has been concluded so far, leaving the fans and F1 experts curious about Hamilton’s future with the team.
To finally end those murmurs, Hamilton, after an impressive P2 finish at the Spanish GP, revealed that a deal is set to be finalized between him and team principal Toto Wolff within the next 24 hours.
This also comes after the former teammate of the 7-time world champion, Nico Rosberg, curiously queried Wolff about the contract negotiations.
Lewis Hamilton addressed contract negotiations after the Spanish GP podium
Rosberg, who hosted the post-race interviews, was seemingly excited with Hamilton’s 2nd place finish at the Spanish Grand Prix. Speaking to Wolff, Rosberg even suggested that with Hamilton’s brilliant result for the team in Barcelona, the Silver Arrows must finalize a deal at the earliest.
“When are you going to sign a new contract with Lewis Hamilton? What are you waiting for!? You saw how he drove today,” Rosberg queried.
The Austrian answered that he would need half an hour of the 7-time world champion’s time, and they will finalize the deal over coffee. Later, Hamilton also gave more insights into a new contract with Mercedes.
Lewis Hamilton responds to a question about his Mercedes future 👀 pic.twitter.com/BcslIHOnGf
— Sky Sports F1 (@SkySportsF1) June 4, 2023
Responding to journalists, the 7x champion answered, “I have not signed anything yet. I think we are meeting with Toto tomorrow, so hopefully, we can get something done.”
The driver further explained that the meeting was just another meeting that he was having with his boss. Yet, the driver is eager to complete the paperwork to focus on a renewed future with the team.
Hamilton does not plan on retiring
Hamilton secured his second podium of the 2023 season with a P2 in Barcelona. He was joined by George Russell, who completed Mercedes’ first double podium of the season.
The Briton continues to outperform many drivers despite being 38 years old and wants to further his racing career in F1 with a long-term partnership with Mercedes.
He told ESPN, “I do not plan on stopping anytime soon. I am not at the end of my career, I am not on the downhill slope of my career. I am in my prime. I am thinking long-term. I do not want to stay here for another year. I want to stay longer.”
The driver claims to be inspired by Tom Brady and LeBron James, who have won accolades despite their age. The driver has also pledged his loyalty to Mercedes for the rest of his F1 career.
He stated, “I am happy where I am. I have not signed a contract yet, but we are working on one.” The driver reveals that he plans on retiring with Mercedes.
According to Toto Wolff, the Briton will stay at Mercedes. The Austrian claims only a few details regarding the driver’s pay and marketing hours are to be finalized.
