Lewis Hamilton Renewed Mercedes Contract Details: 10-Year Plan, Marketing And More In Retirement Scheme

As Mercedes continues to disappoint on the track, conversations around Lewis Hamilton walking out the door grow louder. However, according to paddock rumors, there is a plan in place. Mercedes is preparing for every possible scenario, and word on the street is, there’s a retirement plan for the champion.

Among his many pressing tasks, Toto Wolff’s top priority is to extend Hamilton’s contract. Although this ritual has taken place five times over the course of their partnership, there is an understandable delay this time around. Shifted circumstances have made the conversation difficult, and although Hamilton has pledged his allegiance to the team, a touch of drama is expected.

Further, the champion recently celebrated his 38th birthday, which pushes him into the old men’s club in F1. However, if Alonso and Hamilton have proven anything age is but a number, and Hamilton wants to fight on.

Mercedes to give Lewis Hamilton a post-career plan

There is a probability that the two parties reach an agreement before the new spec of the W-14 hits the track. Now, if the car is competitive and Hamilton has already decided to leave, it would not bode well for him. Still looking to complete his quest for the 8th title, all Hamilton really needs from the team is a car that can race, and more importantly, win.

What he’s been given the last few years has been far from that. However, if he leaves, it won’t be impulsive. Hamilton will have to sit down with Mercedes and discuss every aspect of his exit. This is because they have drawn up a contract for him after he leaves.

In a sort of Daniel Ricciardo-Red Bull attempt, Mercedes would want to keep Hamilton as their brand ambassador. This comes as no surprise as his name is not only synonymous with the sport but also the brand. So what does this retirement plan look like?

As reported by Motorsport, Mercedes is prepared to offer Hamilton a 10-year contract. This brilliant idea would position Hamilton as a cornerstone in the team’s promotional endeavors and integrated with their marketing.

This would come with a heavy bag of money, and giving Hamilton a parallel avenue along his non-racing projects once he eventually hangs his helmet for good. Retirement is inevitable and is fast approaching. But Lewis Hamilton has been given the opportunity for the perfect breakup, with no hard feelings.

What Mercedes is worried about

The team would have to be cognizant of a lot of things. First, the new contract would be in line with the one inked two years ago, encompassing the marque’s commitment to financing Mission 44, spearheaded by Hamilton. However, this will be Hamilton’s last contract. Thus, every possibility of an early exit within the next few years will be meticulously outlined.

Although Hamilton hasn’t expressed any such ill intentions and is committed to racing for as long as he can, the team will have to safeguard their interests.

As the renewal draws near, the trend of exit clauses will only speed up Mercedes’ need for a rock-solid Plan B. This isn’t simple, for who can fill in the large racing boots of Hamilton? Who could possibly be a worthy successor? Further, anyone who could dare act as a replacement is already sealed in by their own teams, limiting Mercedes’ options by a large margin.

But as seen recently, contracts can be broken, especially if it’s for a seat at Mercedes. Lando Norris and Charles Leclerc have their names in the hat, but it all depends on Hamilton.

Should the car become competitive, it’s unlikely Hamilton will retire in the next two years. This gives Mercedes the opportunity to scout for potential replacements should the time come.