What is going on at Mercedes at the moment? Lewis Hamilton is barely months away from reaching the end of his contract with the Silver Arrows. And yet, neither Mercedes nor the seven-time world champion has taken a step forward in negotiating a new deal for 2024 and beyond. Hence, the big question arose; is Hamilton even keen on continuing his relationship with Toto Wolff and Co.?
Mercedes have had a rather bitter stint in F1 since 2022, struggling to rev up their performance and challenge the leading title contenders and former arch-rivals, Red Bull. Subsequently, one might assume Mercedes’ current run of form might force Hamilton to reconsider his decision to stay with the Brackley outfit.
However, on more than one occasion, the Briton has made it absolutely clear that he does not intend to leave Mercedes anytime soon and neither is he keen on retiring from racing altogether. Therefore, amidst such a clear passage ahead, why is Hamilton hesitant about putting his pen to paper? Former Red Bull F1 driver David Coulthard has an interesting theory!
🚨| Lewis Hamilton has rejected an offer to drive for Ferrari in 2024!
Ferrari president John Elkann contacted and submitted an offer to Lewis, who politely declined.
LH only wants Mercedes 🖤 pic.twitter.com/Z3ZW8Ktu7H
— Mercedes-AMG F1 News (@MercedesNewsUK) August 12, 2023
The 13-time Grand Prix winner opined that the delay in announcing Hamilton’s contract extension with Mercedes could be due to sponsorship commitments. With Hamilton being the face of Mercedes, a short-lived contract from hereon could spur fear into the sponsors who have signed up with the team exclusively for the seven-time world champion.
David Coulthard decodes the real reason behind Mercedes & Lewis Hamilton contract extension delay
Coulthard opened up that Hamilton wouldn’t leave Mercedes just because of their underwhelming performance in recent years. “I don’t think there is any realistic chance that Lewis will leave Mercedes unless there is a major fallout,” he told Irish News. “Who would the major fallout be with?
“Even if it was with Toto, Lewis’ relationship with Mercedes’ parent company Daimler is much longer than Toto’s emergence as team principal of Mercedes. For me, it is just a case of when they get it done. I am not aware Lewis is having a change of heart about whether he wants to go racing or not, and I don’t think Mercedes are having second doubts.
“Mercedes will want a certain amount of time from Lewis for their partners. Mercedes will have sold sponsorship on obtaining access to their drivers. Some businesses will have signed up with the Silver Arrows because Lewis is there, rather than George Russell. Perhaps Lewis might be wanting to do fewer days or have fewer commitments?”
Overall, there is finally a consensus on whether Hamilton will extend his contract with Mercedes. And by the looks of it, the leading Grand Prix winner will eventually agree upon a deal and make an official announcement in the coming months, if not weeks.