The agreement between Mercedes and Lewis Hamilton seems that, now, it is very close. So much so that in the next few hours the continuity of the seven-time world champion in the German brand could be made official. But there are many twists and turns of the new contract that they will not tell us, and not only the economic amount.
The latest information suggests that Hamilton would have asked for a veto on who will be his teammate, something Mercedes initially refused to do. The German brand prefers that Hamilton continue to have the right of consultation, as in recent years, but that the last word is always from Mercedes.
Hamilton will sign for two years plus another optional
The negotiations between Mercedes and Hamilton have been the great soap opera of Formula 1 in recent weeks. Everyone took it for granted that they would continue, including themselves published a declaration of good intentions by both parties, but there were still differences. At least until now.
The agreement between Hamilton and Mercedes is closer than ever. It will be for two seasons with an optional third for the pilot, which assures Mercedes to enter the new technical regulations from the hand of its champion. It also gives Hamilton many options to be the solo driver with the most titles in history after 2021.
Economically, it seems that Hamilton is not going to get away with it all. The basic agreement they have reached does not reach the exorbitant figures requested by the champion, although it will also leave a good pinch in his checking account. The other battle that has been fought is that of the teammate, and there it is not yet known who has been the winner.
The second focus of debate in the negotiation, besides money, has been the question of who could join Hamilton in Mercedes. In 2021 it is clear, Valtteri Bottas will continue, but the plans of the German brand for 2022 were to give the alternative to its young promise, George Russell. Hamilton seems to disagree entirely.
The British driver reportedly asked for a veto right over his teammate on the contract. Hamilton is very comfortable with Bottas, whom he has already publicly defended on many occasions. But giving Hamilton this right would be practically giving up Russell for Mercedes.
Rumour is Lewis is on verge of signing a 2 year deal with @ MercedesAMGF1 with a veto on his team mate. I’d do the same. Actually, I wouldn’t have a team mate at all! # f1
— Damon Hill (@HillF1) February 3, 2021
Remember that throughout your career Hamilton has shared a team with high-level riders like Fernando Alonso, Jenson Button or Nico Rosberg, but his best times have been when he had Heikki Kovalainen and Bottas next to him. An experience, that of fighting with a great driver who drives the same car, which Hamilton does not seem to want to repeat.
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