Is Hamilton begging for a new contract? “I don’t see it that way at all” says Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff. Toto Wolff does not perceive Lewis Hamilton’s strong interest in a Formula 1 contract extension as a begging plea for continued employment with the German Formula 1 team.

“I don’t see it that way at all,” the 51-year-old Wolff replied to a question in an interview with Germany’s Auto, Motor und Sport magazine.

“I spoke out very early on that Lewis will always have a seat with us. A decision will always be discussed between us,” Wolff commented about the record breaking world champion from the UK.

Hamilton still has a contract with the Silver Arrows until the end of this year. There has long been speculation that the veteran is already in negotiations for 2024 and 2025 and that he already has a new two-year contract.

Nothing changed…

“Lewis would be the first to say if he doesn’t enjoy it any more or thinks he has shortcomings,” Wolff said, without commenting on the specific rumours. In any case, Mercedes would not change anything in its own approach.

“We will certainly negotiate as in previous years. I see no indication that we would have to change anything,” Wolff said.

Mercedes will start the new season, which begins in Bahrain at the beginning of March, with Hamilton and his compatriot George Russell. After two world championship titles in a row for Max Verstappen in the Red Bull, the German carmaker wants to be back at the top.

Hamilton still dreams of winning his eighth world championship, which would make him the sole record champion.

He still shares this honour with Michael Schumacher. Last year, Hamilton repeatedly emphasised that he wanted to drive for several more years.

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