Mercedes and Lewis Hamilton still seemingly can’t see eye to eye on the latter’s contract. It feels like ages since this contract saga began and we are still unsure about the final resolution.
So as things stand, Lewis Hamilton has no F1 seat for the upcoming season that begins in about a month and a half.
Many reasons have been suggested for the hold-up in talks, and a lot of people have chimed in with their opinion. This time it’s F1’s new CEO, Stefano Domenicali, who shared his opinion on the matter.
The former team boss of Ferrari believes that the financial aspect of the contract is not in debate. He said (translated via Google), “I think they’re talking about a lot of stuff, I’m sure that Lewis wants to understand a lot of points [about] his future.
I don’t think that is only a point related to his salary. It’s really more related to what they have in mind to share together in the future. I think that’s the reason why, but maybe they are not in a rush, because maybe they have already decided it is okay, so we never know.”
Hamilton reportedly wants a share in the team’s winning bonus if they were to win the Constructors’ Championship. That’s not all, he seemingly also wants to have a part in Mercedes‘ electric division.
Latest reports have also suggested that the contract saga could be at an end and some details about the new contract have emerged. Until it is officially confirmed, fans would still be anxious over the status of the 7-time world champion.
F1 CEO would love to see Lewis Hamilton continue in the sport.
Domenicali said, “I want to see him still very, very involved in Formula 1. I think that Lewis, for sure, is a massive ambassador of Formula 1. I’m talking about Formula 1, but it can be seen also as an ambassador of our values, or the points that are really relevant.
But I would say Lewis is really very important for one because he’s the one that is embracing other values into the discussion and giving his face for a lot of points that were [not part of] the normal sport.”
The sheer value of Hamilton cannot be underestimated. The recently knighted Briton is the face of the sport and undoubtedly, the sport wouldn’t be the same without him.
The announcement of Hamilton’s contract renewal cannot come soon enough, and it is time both parties put the anxious F1 fans out of their misery.
