Lewis Hamilton Given Tom Brady, LeBron James Benchmark by Mercedes Boss Amid F1 Contract Debacle

At 38 years old, Lewis Hamilton is still to be at the wrong side of age. When drivers like Michael Schumacher raced in his 40s, Fernando Alonso is racing at 41, there’s no point why he can’t race when he reaches the same stage.

Moreover, the British driver said in his recent form that he sees no reason why he can’t afford to race in his 50s. With his “never say never” attitude, the Briton hinted that he’s going to stay in the sport even longer.

However, there are talks in the town that Hamilton might not extend his contract and retire. If that isn’t the case, rumors have it that the seven-time world champion will jump ship to be more competitive.

Given, the 38-year-old is still on the chase for his eighth world championship, it makes sense why his switch to, most likely, Ferrari would make sense. But according to Mercedes boss Toto Wolff, Hamilton still has a reason to stick to the sport and to the Silver Arrows.

Wolff provides Tom Brady, Le Bron James’ example for Lewis Hamilton

Reflecting on Hamilton’s stay in the sport and how he can relate himself with the NBA or NFL greats such as LeBron James or Tom Brady, Wolff resorted to giving their examples.

He said as per Next Gen Auto Wolff challenged Hamilton to look at his equals. “You can see athletes like Tom Brady or LeBron James, Cristiano Ronaldo, Lewis, who have reached or will reach over 40 and are still at their peak.” Admittedly, the Mercedes honcho also mentioned soccer star Ronaldo, who’s still going strong despite being 38 years old.

Furthermore, the Austrian executive emphasized the strength Alonso is showing at 41 years old. The Spanish driver picked up four podiums this season and is still raring to go.

Will Hamilton extend his contract with Mercedes?

The British driver’s contract expires at the end of the 2023 season. After having arrived in the team from McLaren back in 2013, this is the 11th season he is with the German giants.

However, the question still remains, will he stay back with the Brackley-based team after so many years of a good relationship and enormous success? Well, it partly depends on Mercedes as well.

The Silver Arrows are yet to give Lewis Hamilton a championship-worthy car for the second season in a row. Someone who’s still pushing for the much coveted eighth world championship, having a championship-worthy car makes so much sense.

It is believed the Silver Arrows are bringing in huge upgrades in Imola and the races thereafter. It’ll be interesting to see how they fare to help the underperforming W14 reached the level of RB-19. If things work out perfectly, the seven-time world champion might just extend his contract.