Wolff Reveals Insights From Hamilton Contract Negotiations

Thursday, 12 October 2023 at 14:00

hamilton lewis mercedes steveetherington

Mercedes F1 team principal Toto Wolff discussed the negotiation process concerning the 2024-2025 contract with Lewis Hamilton.

Lewis Hamilton has been an essential part of Mercedes Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team ever since he joined the team in 2013. After winning six Drivers' and eight Constructors' Championships with the team, it seems like the seven-time World Champion naturally belongs only to Mercedes.

Hamilton's previous contract with Mercedes was due at the end of this season, and therefore, negotiations regarding the new one had to take place. Toto Wolff told Gazzetta some details discussed in the new two-season contract for the number 44 driver.

"In the contract negotiations, we discussed his current activities. The line designed for Tommy Hilfiger, for example, his future as an entrepreneur. But his main focus must be racing, which is what Lewis does best and remains at this moment the most important thing."

Read also

Wolff Identifies 'Biggest Problem' For Mercedes Drivers

The 7-time world champion has achieved amazing success with the team and he plans to continue winning Championships, however, Wolff sees Hamilton as a great asset to the team even beyond his racing career.

"We are very open to what may happen in the future: maintaining a working relationship with the greatest driver ever for Mercedes is obviously a great opportunity. In my opinion, it is a journey that must continue together, even beyond the time of racing."

What was interesting about the Hamilton-Mercedes negotiations was the time it took to sign the contract. Multiple speculations have surfaced in the meantime, some of them saying Hamilton was in talks with Ferrari. Mercedes team principal said:

"There was a bit of a delay, but it was clear that it would end like this, with Lewis staying with us. Some time ago, Lewis told me, ‘I saw John Elkann at dinner, but know that I’m not going anywhere.’ And then, when they wrote about his conversation with Ferrari, he said again, ‘Toto, I’m not carrying out any negotiations."

The Austrian mentions he was never in doubt Hamilton would stay with Mercedes. Together with George Russell, Hamilton forms one of the strongest pairings on the grid, which even Red Bull could be jealous of now.

"There was never an inch of doubt in my mind. And then we also have George (Russell) for another two seasons, who is the future of this team and the next generation after Hamilton, who grew up in Mercedes. We are happy."