Leaks happen. The news of the start of the year in Formula 1 will be the renovation of Hamilton with Mercedes and there are several sources that they point to its imminence. In Germany, the web ‘F1 Insider‘bet because the deal has already been closed and that will be made public next week, referring to concessions by both parties so that this has been possible.
The remuneration demanded by the eighth champion, 40 million per season, will be satisfied no matter how much Daimler does not agree on the matter. The greater participation in the shareholders of the German team of Ineos Group would be the solution to this important stumbling block, by provide the differential that the automotive giant denies. Also, always according to the same sources, Hamilton will have new advertising spaces in his helmet and racing jumpsuit for holding with personal sponsors.
In return, and according to what has been published in various media, the British would accept a shorter contract. Far from the four years that I intended, will sign exclusively for this season with the option of renewal in the next. In this way, Mercedes reserves the right to modify your pilot strategy in view of the evolution of events, both sporting, economic and business. The bullet in the chamber George Russell it will be ready when facing a new negotiation for next year.
And in that tug of war between team and driver, which differs significantly from the idyllic relationship that Toto Wolff has staged, the information from ‘F1 Insider’ indicates that Hamilton has achieved assert another of the claims proposed for its continuity: participation in the decision and even the right to veto in choosing your teammate if he continued competing from 2022.
According to the German website, the Briton is aware that not only Russell can be a future rival in his own team. Max Verstappen is also on Mercedes’ radar and has the approval of Wolff, so if there is any possibility of seize the services of the Red Bull driver they would try. An assumption that is not part of Hamilton’s plans at all, so he has used that card from his hand to put it on the negotiating table.
The truth is that the announcement of renewal should happen sooner rather than later, although obviously the vast majority of the details of a contract of such complexity they will not come to light, especially the most rugged ones. At least, yes, at that time Formula 1 you will be able to breathe relieved knowing that the great star of the moment will continue on the circuits for at least one more year.