With Lewis Hamilton’s contract yet to be extended, Red Bull veteran, David Coulthard thinks Lewis Hamilton is having second thoughts as Mercedes is not able to take the challenge to Red Bull who are dominating the sport at the moment.
Over the last few months, Lewis Hamilton’s contract has come into question. Although Hamilton and Toto Wolff seem very optimistic about the contract extension, we are yet to see any official announcements.
Lewis Hamilton’s main goal right now is to win his 8th World Championship. For the last 2 years, the team was not able to provide him with a car to do so. They are hoping to do so next year. However, there are no major regulation changes to be announced for next year to slow down Red Bull’s progress. Based on this information, David Coulthard seems to think that Lewis Hamilton is having second doubts about his future at Mercedes.
Crofty gives his thoughts on Lewis Hamilton’s contract situation at Mercedes and his future in F1 👇 pic.twitter.com/rUlKXZBhgb
— Sky Sports F1 (@SkySportsF1) July 6, 2023
Here is what David Coulthard said to Channel 4: “We keep hearing it’s going to be sorted, but why isn’t it? It’s not like they need to get to know each other. They’ve won multiple world championships together. So, I think it shows that he’s just not quite settled in his mind as to, the upgrades are coming, they’re maybe making a little step forward, but they need to take a leap forward to be able to challenge for victories.”
He has been with Mercedes for over 10 years now and has achieved a lot with the team. Clearly, there is some loyalty between the two. However, if Mercedes cannot provide a good car, will Lewis Hamilton leave the team?
Will Lewis Hamilton leave Mercedes?
As mentioned above, Hamilton and the team are very optimistic about extending the contract. While David Coulthard has his doubts, Lewis Hamilton has said:
“Before the end of the season, we’ll be already well into the contract. I still have 100 percent faith in this team. I’m hoping to be here a lot longer. I feel like I’ve got another five years in me at least, no? Let’s see. I don’t have the pen at the moment. But we are close,”
Over a month ago, Toto Wolff said it would be days rather than weeks until a new contract is signed. A contract is yet to be signed by the two parties.
“We are talking more days than weeks” 👀⏳
Toto Wolff on Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes contract ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/v2zz8dLO8m
— Sky Sports F1 (@SkySportsF1) June 13, 2023
Looking at the team’s performances over the last few weeks, they have made some progress. At the beginning of the season, they were predicted to be slower than Aston Martin and Ferrari. Now they find themselves in P2 in the WCC. However, Toto Wolff is not satisfied. He has stated that they will not be satisfied with P2 or P3. Victory is the goal they are chasing.
Toto Wolff has his say on when Mercedes will switch focus to their 2024 car 🏎 pic.twitter.com/7lboidJX5O
— Sky Sports F1 (@SkySportsF1) July 13, 2023
With the team now shifting focus on the 2024 car, they will hope to challenge Red Bull for the Championship. Or else, Lewis Hamilton will start having doubts to stay with the team.
Over the coming weeks, we should receive some updates on Hamilton’s contract situation. It is unlikely that Hamilton will not receive offers from other teams. Although Red Bull has said that Hamilton is not on their list, It is rumored that Ferrari is very much interested in signing Lewis Hamilton.
Let us see if Mercedes can challenge Red Bull for the Championship next year and if Lewis Hamilton will extend his stay with Mercedes over the coming weeks.