Lewis Hamilton, a seven-time Formula One champion, is arguably the most celebrated active racing driver. Over the past decade, he has garnered a massive fan base which made him a highly influential personality. The Mercedes ace understands the magnitude of his responsibilities towards society and remains actively committed to giving it back.
Meanwhile, on the racing front, Lewis Hamilton has been struggling for the past couple of seasons. On top of that, his current contract with Mercedes is expiring at the end of the ongoing season. While extension negotiations are underway, both parties are yet to reach a consensus. Amid these, Silver Arrows team principal Toto Wolff had rejected one of the British driver’s key contract demands.
Toto Wolff Confirms Lewis Hamilton’s Extension Contract Does Not Include Non-Racing Commitments
Lewis Hamilton’s contract negation talks with Mercedes are currently underway. While key demands have been met, both parties are apparently sorting out some legal issues. However, the delay in the announcement has raised suspicion among fans. Some rumors suggest that Hamilton apparently wants to stay with Mercedes beyond his racing career. The British driver has put forth a demand wherein he wants to become the ambassador of the team shortly after retirement from Formula One. However, the team principal, Toto Wolff, rejected all such speculations. He confirmed that any sort of ambassadorial role demand is not a part of the contract negotiations. The contract will strictly contain elements relating to pure racing.
Mercedes’ boss believes that Lewis Hamilton still has a lot to offer as a driver. Hence, the team’s primary concern is to secure him for a seat for as long as possible. Further, Wolff revealed the reason behind the delay in the extension announcement. He confirmed that all the major elements have been negotiated. Only the legalities are left. Hence, only the lawyers from both sides are currently involved in the talks. He and Hamilton are out of it. Lastly, Wolff refrained from providing a specific date. But affirmed that a consensus is near and an official announcement will come sooner or later. Having said that, the word around the paddock is that the British driver could extend his services to Silver Arrows for anywhere between two to five years. Still, these are conjectures, and one must await an official word.
Lewis Hamilton Shares An Update From His Side Over Contract Talks With Mercedes
Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton also shared an update from his side at the recently concluded Belgian Grand Prix. He said that the negotiations were an emotional roller coaster ride for both sides. While he has a personal connection with Mercedes boss Toto Wolff, the latter is, at the end of the day, a businessman who has to think accordingly. Having said that, the negotiations are an ongoing process, and nobody will be able to understand the full complexity of it.
Speaking from a personal point of view, Lewis Hamilton said that he plans to be here as he has a lot of work to do with Mercedes. The British driver is still hungry and competitive. It could be a curse or a blessing, but it is what it is. The passion for racing is still there, and it’s the only reason he has been able to survive in the sport for this long.