Lewis Hamilton is yet to sign a contract extension with Mercedes. The 7x world champions’ $49 Million a year deal with the Silver Arrows expires at the end of the 2023 season. Yet, the Briton has been hesitant to sign a new deal with the team.
Reports claim Hamilton will only sign a deal if he sees improvement in the car. The driver wants to fight for his 8th championship and not for P7 on the grid. This is why the race in Imola will be crucial. Mercedes plans on bringing key upgrades and possibly a new concept to their car. The results will decide if the 7x champion continues with the team or not.
Lewis Hamilton wants a longer contract with Mercedes
The situation surrounding Lewis Hamilton and his contract extension with Mercedes remains unclear. Hamilton claims he is ready to commit to a long-term, multiyear contract with his team. However, the Silver Arrows have only given him a one-year deal.
This called the Briton to call off talks with his team. Hamilton believes he can race until his 40s and wants commitment from his team before signing a deal.
He told after the race in Baku, “I’m thinking long term. I don’t want to stay here for another year. I want to stay longer,” quoted by Brazilian journalist Julianne Cerasoli. Regardless, the options for the driver remain slim outside of Mercedes.
Lewis Hamilton on his contract with Mercedes:
“I’m thinking long term. I don’t want to stay here for another year. I want to stay longer.”
[@jucerasoli]#F1 #AzerbaijanGP
— Fastest Pitstop (@FastestPitStop) April 30, 2023
The 7x champion would only opt for a team that can produce a race-winning car that can deliver his 8th championship win. Currently, only Aston Martin and Ferrari are available options, but both teams have drivers in contract until 2024 end.
Red Bull is not an option due to the rivalry between Mercedes and the Austrian team. Christian Horner himself declined any intention of going behind the driver’s signature. So either Hamilton stays with Mercedes or retires from the sport.
Toto Wolff denies Charles Leclerc link
In the past two years, Mercedes has slipped from 8-time constructors champions to the F1 midfield. The team lost their dominant form after the regulations change in 2022. This caused Lewis Hamilton to suffer a frustrating 2022 campaign, battling porpoising and a winless season.
Recently Eddie Jordan suggested the Briton should move to Ferrari. The rumors were further fueled after Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff was spotted talking to Charles Leclerc.
Nevertheless, Wolff put the rumors to rest claiming, the team is fully focused on retaining Hamilton. However, the Austrian claims Leclerc is still on the team’s radar. The Monegasque will be considered by the team if Hamilton announces his retirement from the sport.
