Toto Wolff addresses Lewis Hamilton’s contract uncertainty after Ferrari’s rumored $50 Million offer

Lewis Hamilton was reportedly offered £40 million to join Ferrari.

Toto Wolff addresses Lewis Hamilton’s contract uncertainty after Ferrari’s rumored $50 Million offer

Toto Wolff and Lewis Hamilton (Credits: The Telegraph)

The talk of the paddock recently has been surrounding the ambiguous future of seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton. Recent rumors have suggested that Ferrari had bid $50 Million for him to lure him away from a possible extension with the Silver Arrows. Another widely speculated option for the veteran is retirement. However, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has responded to this speculation of a move away from the German giants.

Speaking to OE24, Wolff said, “These rumors come up every two years when we have to sign a new contract. But none of this is true. We discuss normally, without any time pressure. It’s just uncomfortable that two friends, two blood brothers who have been through thick and thin for ten years, suddenly have to discuss money. I’m firmly convinced that we’ll find each other, there’s not a millimeter of doubt for me.”

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Both Toto Wolff and Hamilton have publicly communicated their intention to extend their current partnership, aiming to ensure that the British driver continues racing with the Silver Arrows well into his 40s, cementing a long-term deal rather than endure the hassle of constant renewals, which Wolff finds ’embarrassing’.

Related: “The talent hasn’t left him,” Lewis Hamilton hails Fernando Alonso’s sensational form so far in 2023

Lewis Hamilton’s renewal is dependent on Mercedes’ ability to deliver a good car

Lewis Hamilton in his W14 via Daily Mail
Lewis Hamilton in his W14 via Daily Mail

The Englishman’s tenure at Mercedes has been filled with resounding success and triumph. This formidable partnership has dominated the turbo-hybrid era, achieving unparalleled success across various championships. Nonetheless, as with everything, there comes a time for change, and this partnership is no exception. Since the implementation of new technical directives in 2022, Mercedes has encountered difficulties and has struggled to match the performance of teams like Red Bull.

Lewis Hamilton, in particular, has been vocal about his dissatisfaction with the W13 and W14 cars. Notably, he has not achieved a race victory with Mercedes in over 500 days. His teammate George Russell is consistently outperforming the veteran since his debut. These circumstances raise concerns for a driver who is nearing the end of his career but remains determined to secure his eighth world championship, paving the way for a possible departure.

Despite the limitations of his underperforming machinery in the current and previous seasons, Hamilton has consistently demonstrated his exceptional skill by pushing the car beyond its inherent capabilities in several instances. Despite facing adversity, he has managed to secure podium finishes numerous times. The recent Miami GP is a testament to his ability to mount remarkable comebacks, as he impressively gained seven positions in the race after a challenging qualifying session.

Should Mercedes meet expectations with their much anticipated ‘W14B’ upgrades at the Monaco GP, it will undoubtedly be a major boost in their renewal of the legend. However, should they fail to appease him, with the unpredictability of the sport, we could well see a departure to another frontrunner or even his retirement.

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