Not only Mercedes fans are eagerly awaiting further news in the contract negotiations between the Silver Arrows and record world champion Lewis Hamilton, which have been dragging on for a long time. Most recently, the Briton was even associated with a move to Ferrari. But after a denial about the speculation, the signs are now fully open to the German carmaker. Statements by Hamilton and team boss Toto Wolff after the Spanish Grand Prix made that clear again.
Lewis Hamilton has hinted after his second place finish at Barcelona that he is very close to an extension at Mercedes. The current contract of the seven-time Formula 1 world champion expires after the current season. Already at the beginning of the week there should probably be the last and decisive negotiations.
“I haven’t signed anything yet, but I think we’ll meet tomorrow [am Montag, d.Red.] with Toto [Wolff]so hopefully we can negotiate something,” Hamilton told multiple media after the Grand Prix at the Circuit de Catalunya.
Wolff himself was also urged to make a statement by “Sky” expert Nico Rosberg. Asked by the 2016 World Champion why he hadn’t already extended with Hamilton, after all he was driving “great, what are you waiting for?” The team boss said: “I think we just have to find the time to sit down for a coffee. ” The whole thing will then “take about half an hour,” Wolff continued.
Hamilton had previously stressed that the reference to Monday’s meeting after the Spanish GP was “not a subtle hint” of his future plans. “We’ve had so many meetings and this is just another meeting we have,” said the 38-year-old, who appears to be hoping for a breakthrough.
Hamilton also admitted: “As you could see today, my performance is not affected by it, but it’s always something to keep in mind. When that’s done, you can concentrate better and think about the future.”
Formula 1: Mercedes cars “feel better”
This is apparently still at Mercedes, where Hamilton hired in 2013 and since then has celebrated six of his seven world titles.
The Silver Arrows and this year’s Black Arrows had largely overturned their aerodynamic concept for the Spanish GP and were rewarded with second place for Hamilton and third place for his colleague George Russell.
“The team gave me a really good car. I came from P12, drove up to three. That’s also thanks to the team,” praised Russell after the race and said about the improved W14 car: “It feels better .You compare it to the cars around it – to the Aston Martins and the Ferraris – and you realize you’re closer. We had more downforce and the tires were in the better window.”
Wolff was also “very satisfied because we put so much work into the car and made decisions that we weren’t sure would work out.” According to various media reports, Hamilton has always made his proposed signing of a contract extension dependent on the sporting development of the German-British racing team. This now seems to be pointing in the right direction.