“Toto Wolff has been talking about deadlines” – Sky Sports journo with the state of affairs of the contract extension talks between Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes.
Sky Sports reporter Craig Slater has provided an update on the Lewis Hamilton-Mercedes situation. The much-awaited contract signing is yet to be done, with no positive signals in sight. Slater has given a detailed overview of where both parties stand in this ‘fiasco’ involving the reigning champion.
“All is quiet still on the Sir Lewis Hamilton contract front but I can report that all is calm at Mercedes regarding that new contract. They understand that while there isn’t confirmation, the longer this drags on, the more speculation there will be. They say they are going to live with that.
The plan is for Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes to continue to work together. That’s still the plan; that’s what they’ve said all along.
I think @MercedesAMGF1 will be delivering some news regarding @LewisHamilton contract. I love this admin so much
— Ged (@ged128) January 26, 2021
Slater also confirmed that the pre-season obligation will not be affected. This is crucial as both parties chase their eighth world titles in Formula 1.
“As far as I understand none of that is obstructed by the fact he remains out of contract, so it is business as usual as far as Mercedes and Lewis Hamilton are concerned, contract or no contract.”
When will Lewis Hamilton sign for Mercedes?
According to Slater, the deal is set to happen, eventually. When is it going to happen, there are contrasting voices. While Wolff has suggested the pre-season testing in Bahrain as the deadline, Mercedes have announced the date for their car launch.
“Toto Wolff has actually been talking about deadlines and what he’s said in an interview with German television is that the deadline is the day that they get on the plane for Bahrain and that refers to pre-season testing rather than the first Grand Prix of the season. So that would be the 11th of March to get that contract done.
“However, Mercedes today (Tuesday) announced that they would present their new car on March the second – that’s exactly four weeks. They promised contributions as well from the drivers at that launch so I think it would be a huge surprise if Sir Lewis Hamilton hasn’t agreed to his new deal with his new title and signed it before that launch day.”
