The seven-time world champion, Lewis Hamilton is looking forward to signing a new contract with the Mercedes Formula 1 team at the present moment whenever the opportunity arises. Hamilton will have a secured spot in the Silver Arrows team for a long time to come with this contract. The contract’s progress has been slightly slowed down triggering rumors that certain terms need to proceed with the negotiations.
The idea that Hamilton seeks to build an ambassadorial role with Mercedes to support his post-retirement phase had become one of the alternatives. Toto Wolff addressed the matter during the Belgian Grand Prix and made it clear that the new contract’s sole focus is only on Hamilton’s employment as a driver. He said, “We’re not talking about an ambassadorial role post his retirement, nor is that part of the contract negotiations.”
📰: Lewis Hamilton’s new contract with Mercedes for Formula 1 doesn’t include any plans for an ambassadorial role after retirement. Team boss Toto Wolff clarified that the focus is solely on Hamilton being a driver. Delays in finalizing the deal are attributed to minor… pic.twitter.com/VCIHKMBXWq
— F1 Naija 🇳🇬 (@f1_naija) August 2, 2023
In recent weeks, Wolff and Hamilton have consistently spoken about the inexistence of major obstacles delaying the contract’s completion. At the Hungarian Grand Prix, Hamilton confessed that his direct involvement had been restricted as he had intentionally opted to put his other duties first. Supporting this perspective, Wolff argued in support that the role of legal consultants at this point has added complexities.
Is Lewis Hamilton signing a contract extension anytime soon?
Lewis Hamilton’s current deal with Mercedes will run out at the end of 2023, which has sparked ongoing negotiations between the two parties for the creation of a new contract that would continue until 2024 and possibly further where he currently earns a whopping $35 million. This partnership dates back to his days as a McLaren-Mercedes driver, who bought his engines from the German team.
Winning the British Grand Prix on three wheels isn’t for everyone. 🐐#OTD in 2020, @LewisHamilton clinched victory at Silverstone in the most DRAMATIC way. 🏆pic.twitter.com/GVj7BH4qRA
— Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@MercedesAMGF1) August 2, 2023
Apart from a fleeting rumor tying him to Ferrari, the Briton is nevertheless free to consider alternatives for the coming season. There were short-lived whispers on the paddock in May about a potential switch to the Scuderia Ferrari team. However, Hamilton’s vow to remain loyal to the Mercedes brand for life explains his tireless commitment to the team.
Given Hamilton’s ten-year-long affiliation with Mercedes, in which he won six of his seven championships, the delay in making the contract extension public has raised some eyebrows. Notably, suspicions have been circulating about an imminent return to his F1 roots with McLaren. The driver as well as the Austrian team principal have developed an intense bond over the course of their journey, leaving the final formal announcement of this extension a matter of anticipation rather than it being news.