“We spoke in the Christmas period” – F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali reveals the conversation he had with Lewis Hamilton regarding the latter’s contract extension with Mercedes.
F1 boss Stefano Domenicali has confirmed to Sky Sports 24 that he had a conversation with Lewis Hamilton regarding his participation this season. As things stand, Mercedes and the reigning champion are yet to agree to a deal. The main sticking points are understood to be wage requirements and the lengthy contract duration Hamilton wants.
“We spoke in the Christmas period. He is preparing but he didn’t tell me if he will sign or not sign the renewal with Mercedes. Of course, he has a great opportunity, not only speaking about the sport itself, to have the numbers and with that be known as the strongest in the world.
“He also has the opportunity to continue to have a role that goes beyond sports. To be a champion is one thing, but it’s another to do it in another dimension. I am convinced and I hope, as an interested party, that everything can be resolved quickly.”
Lewis Hamilton is currently the latest winner at 15 different circuits in Formula 1 💪:
– Red Bull Ring, Budapest, Barcelona, Spa, Mugello, Nurburgring, Portimao, Imola, Istanbul, Shanghai, Monaco, Montreal, Paul Ricard, Mexico City, Indianapolis 😮#TeamLH @MercedesAMGF1 pic.twitter.com/la90Ie2IX9
— Mercedes Stats (@MercedesStats) January 19, 2021
Drivers > Cars for Stefano Domenicali
The former Ferrari also spoke about the plans for Formula 1 this decade. He wants the drivers to be at the heart of the action yet again. This is significant after the Mercedes dominance for a majority of the last decade. He was talking to Sky F1’s Martin Brundle in an exclusive interview.
“[The drivers] will be at the centre of the future of Formula 1. I think that they represent the real soul of our sport – their faces, their ability. I would say to interpret them, not only as drivers but as the ambassadors of our sport. They will be crucial for the future.
“We didn’t have in the last decade so many good drivers as we have now. We have incredible young drivers, there is an incredible record to be achieved for Lewis, for others, so the challenge there is great.”
