Lewis Hamilton’s contract extension talks are ‘super embarrassing’ for Toto Wolff

Lewis Hamilton's contract with Mercedes will expire at the end of the 2023 season.

Lewis Hamilton’s contract extension talks are ‘super embarrassing’ for Toto Wolff

Lewis Hamilton and Toto Wolff (Credits: The Guardian)

Lewis Hamilton’s contract with Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 team is a hot topic lately. He is yet to put pen to paper on a new deal with the Silver Arrows. There have been talks about him leaving the team and even retiring from the sport amidst their recent struggles. Team boss Toto Wolff has provided insight into the situation.

There were expectations of finalizing a new deal over the winter. However, Lewis Hamilton and Toto Wolff have not been able to sit down and reach a consensus. In a rare update on the contract talks, Wolff suggested that a significant portion of the delay stemmed from the discomfort of negotiating financial terms. This results in prolonged discussions.

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Speaking to Motorsport-Total.com, Wolff said, “It’s super embarrassing. Every three years, we know that we have this moment. And it’s like negotiating the financial terms with your best friend with a close friend.” He is clearly not proud of the situation, and is seeking to rectify it as quickly and amicably as possible.

Wolff also stated how typically, situations like these are uncommon. He aims to secure the best outcome for both Hamilton and the team. However, in this particular scenario, there appears to be a rare instance where their objectives may differ.

Throughout their ten or eleven years together, he believes this may be the first time their goals have diverged. Wolff highlights the complexities of balancing individual interests with the collective ambitions of the team.

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Lewis Hamilton still has a lot to offer at the pinnacle of motorsport

Lewis Hamilton via Sports Illustrated
Lewis Hamilton (Image via Sports Illustrated)

The veteran’s remarkable career in F1 speaks volumes. Hamilton holds the record for the most race victories, having crossed the finish line in the first place an incredible 103 times. Similarly, he has achieved the same number of pole positions, showcasing his exceptional qualifying prowess. He has also stood on the podium more times than any other driver, with a record-breaking 192 finishes to his name.

The Briton’s career points tally stands at an impressive 4461.5 points. He holds the shared distinction of winning seven world titles, solidifying his status as one of the greatest drivers in the history of the sport.

Following the disappointment of being denied his eighth title by Max Verstappen in 2021, his fortunes have taken a downward turn. In an astonishing development considering his relentless pursuit of victory, he has now gone over 500 days without securing a race win. The absence of a single triumph during the 2022 season was particularly significant, as it marked the first time Hamilton had failed to win a race.

This challenging period has presented new obstacles for Hamilton. It leaves him eager to reclaim his winning form and reestablish his dominance on the track. Despite substandard machinery in the ongoing and past seasons, Lewis Hamilton has consistently pushed his car beyond its limits. This resulted in numerous podium finishes.

The recent Miami GP showcased Hamilton’s strong comeback abilities. He gained seven places in the race after a challenging qualifying session. Despite being a shadow of his former self, his passion and perseverance remain intact.

Hamilton retains optimism and trusts his team to deliver results. While his future is uncertain, with rumors of a move to rivals or retirement, he continues to demonstrate the qualities that made him a world champion. Hamilton will hope to reach an agreement with Mercedes to extend their long-standing partnership as soon as possible.

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