The fate of Britain’s seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton is still shrouded in uncertainty. With his contract with the Mercedes team about to expire, speculation has been rife as to his next move.

While both Hamilton and the Mercedes team have expressed their desire to continue their partnership, negotiations have been protracted. However, there is now a glimmer of hope on the horizon for those who wish to see their man stay in F1 at Mercedes.

 

Move to Ferrari ‘on ice’

As the clock ticks down on Lewis Hamilton’s current contract with Mercedes, the F1 world is abuzz with speculation. Amid ongoing negotiations between Hamilton and Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff, there have been rumours of a possible move to Ferrari. However, recent reports suggest that Hamilton has turned down offers from Ferrari, even if they were to double his substantial $40 million salary.

These reports suggest that Hamilton is firmly committed to staying with Mercedes.

 

 

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Deal still not done with Mercedes, yet

Lawrence Barretto’s latest analysis on the Formula One website suggests that while the Mercedes seat is technically open for the 2024 season alongside teammate George Russell, the timing of Hamilton’s signature remains the main question. The feeling is that it’s not a question of if, but when Hamilton will put pen to paper.

The delay doesn’t seem to concern either Hamilton or Wolff, who have stated that the basic terms of the contract have been agreed. The finalisation process is mainly a matter of ironing out minor details before the agreement is formalised.

Hamilton’s history of signing new contracts relatively late in the negotiation process is not lost on observers. In 2021, he signed a one-year extension just before pre-season, followed by a two-year deal just six months later.

 

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Five more years of attempting to secure 8th title

Despite being 38, Hamilton believes he has a solid five years of competitive racing left in him as he pursues a record-equalling eighth world title. Given his long association with the Mercedes family, from his karting days to his Formula One debut with the Mercedes-backed McLaren team and subsequent decade with the Mercedes works team, it’s highly likely he will continue his journey with the Silver Arrows.

 

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Two attempts by Ferrari to secure Hamilton

Reports emerged earlier this month that Hamilton had turned down a contract offer from Ferrari president John Elkann. Subsequent reports suggested that Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur had also approached Hamilton. However, all indications are that Hamilton remains committed to Mercedes and has no intention of switching teams. Michael Schmidt, the German publication’s motorsport editor, insists that Hamilton’s contract talks are a meticulous process that can’t be rushed.

Schmidt also claims that even if Ferrari were to double Hamilton’s £40 million salary, he wouldn’t be swayed by the financial incentive as he has no competitive advantage over Mercedes. Schmidt claims that Hamilton is astute and recognises that Ferrari’s car isn’t superior to Mercedes’ in terms of performance.

Schmidt also predicts that the transition from Mercedes to Ferrari may not be seamless for Hamilton. The challenges he faces at Mercedes could be exacerbated at Ferrari due to the increased scrutiny the team faces.

 

 

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Ferrari performances not impressive enough

Ferrari’s performance has been inconsistent, with the team overtaking Mercedes in the Constructors’ Championship in 2022, but falling behind Red Bull, Mercedes and Aston Martin this season. On the other hand, Hamilton’s Mercedes appears to be on a roll, with consistent top-four finishes in the last eight races.

Although some in Formula One have floated the idea of Hamilton moving to Ferrari, the Scuderia’s management, led by Vasseur, face an uphill battle to keep Hamilton’s loyalty.

With the clock ticking down on his bid for a record eighth F1 championship, Hamilton recognises the urgency of his quest. The dominance of Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, who is on course for a third consecutive title, presents a formidable challenge for Hamilton to regain control of the championship. This dynamic also underlines the pressure on Mercedes to rectify their recent struggles and deliver a competitive car capable of supporting Hamilton’s championship ambitions.

 

 

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Dutch GP: Hamilton Mercedes contract signing deadline

Hamilton has been an integral part of the Mercedes team since 2013, securing six world championships during his tenure. However, the current season has seen the Mercedes team struggle with pace issues, which has hampered Hamilton’s ability to challenge for victories. Despite these setbacks, Hamilton was quick to announce his intention to extend his contract with Mercedes. In the midst of these discussions, persistent rumours of a possible deal with Ferrari have surfaced.

However, Hamilton has made it clear that Ferrari is not in his future plans. Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff had initially promised a quick resolution to the new contract negotiations, but this has not materialised. Recent reports from Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport suggest that the culmination of these talks is now imminent.

 

 

According to Corriere dello Sport, the contract could be signed before the Dutch Grand Prix. Both parties are said to have agreed on the terms of the contract, including salary and the length of the new deal. Although the exact length of the contract remains uncertain, it is rumoured to be a multi-year deal, possibly with a buy-out clause. This expected resolution could mark a turning point in Hamilton’s career, ensuring his continued presence with the Mercedes team in the next chapters of Formula One.

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