Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has confessed that he dislikes contract talks with Lewis Hamilton. The Austrian acknowledged Hamilton’s relationship with the team, which stretches back to seven years. Wolff revealed that he perceives Hamilton as a friend, rather than a business partner.
Toto Wolff doesn’t like to talk business with Lewis Hamilton
Lewis Hamilton will be out of contract at the end of 2020 and his future with the team is up in the air. Mercedes is yet to announce a decision regarding Hamilton’s contract and future with the team. However, news from the rumour mill suggests the Brackley based outfit will most likely extend the Briton’s contract.
Hamilton was briefly linked to a seat at Ferrari, but the latter has denied this. Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto recently revealed that the team wasn’t prioritizing Hamilton, but Vettel instead. With Red Bull and Ferrari committing to Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc, the Brit only has one realistic option.
Allegedly, Hamilton is seeking a hefty contract renewal that Mercedes considers a bit too rich. This is forcing the German team to rethink and could be a cause for the stall in negotiations.
Furthermore, Hamilton’s ties with Mercedes go way back. The Briton has always been powered by a Mercedes engine since he started in Formula 1. This, coupled with 6 World Championships definitely confirms Hamilton’s special relationship with the team.
Speaking to Sky Sports F1, Toto Wolff revealed his feeling regarding contract talks with Hamilton.
“The dynamic is very good, we have known each other for such a long time and have the greatest respect for each other,”
“A racing driver knows his value and we do, and on the other side, Lewis is very aware about where we are as a team and as a motor company.
“So overall these discussions we don’t like them because we are friends and very close to each other on this current journey, but it’s part of the job,” said Wolff.
Hamilton grateful to be a part of Mercedes
Hamilton too had positive remarks to make regarding the team at the W11 launch. The Briton felt privileged to be a part of Mercedes. Hamilton added that hoped to contribute even more in the years to come.
With 12 Constructors’ and Drivers’ Championships, Mercedes would be eager to continue their phenomenal run in F1, with Lewis Hamilton behind the wheel.
At the end of the day, when it comes to money, niceties take a back seat.
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