The state of the drivers’ market come 2021 is taking shape after the contract renewals of Charles Leclerc by Ferrari and Max Verstappen by Red Bull. There are still some questions, however, regarding the most valuable piece of the puzzle, Lewis Hamilton, whose future is still on the cards.
It seems that the defending champion is weighing all of his options and has changed his mind regarding the conditions surrounding his stay in Mercedes.
According to Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport, the Briton would have asked for 220 million euros for a four-season contract extension with silver arrows theuntil the end of 2024. That figure translates into 55 million euros per season, a 10 million increase per year from his pay last season. If those figures are confirmed, the Formula 1 star would make it into the 10 best-paid athletes in the world exclusive list, displacing American football star, Matthew Stafford.
Nobody knows for certain if Hamilton’s demands have anything to do with Maranello attempting to seduce the Briton for themselves. It is no secret that La Scuderia would love to lure the driver from Stevenage to their side, as the red team’s sporting director, Mattia Binotto, himself acknowledged at the last race of the 2019 season in Abu Dhabi.
Unusually frank about its intentions, the Scuderia of the Prancing Horse left the door open for a hypothetical signing of #44, which, if it was to materialise, would leave their German four-time champion, Sebastian Vettel, without a seat.
In this sense, the Swiss director declared he wanted to wait and see how Vettel performs during the first few races of 2020 before making a decision over his future at Ferrari.
Lewis Hamilton renewal; a priority for Wolff
Despite Binotto’s hints Mercedes’ Team Principal, Toto Wolff, also declared in December last year he was confident in their ability to retain Hamilton in the team. Playing in their favour is the long and successful professional relationship with the Briton, who has conquered five of his six titles with Mercedes.
“Before looking for any potential new driver, Lewis and I shall have a conversation about the possibility of extending his contract” – The Austrian directive said after being asked about their superstar.
Regarding this issue, Wolff has also confirmed that retaining the English driver in Mercedes is their primary objective: “I hope our relationship continues, but that is not only up to me. We both (team and driver) share the same values regarding our ethics and integrity”.
“Understanding Lewis’ position and objectives will be key for any decision that we take. There is no doubt that Lewis is a very strong pillar within the team but I think as long as we are able to produce a quick car, and a powerful engine, we will always have opportunity to decide who drives the car”.
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Seemingly oblivious to these issues is Hamilton himself, who continues to enjoy his well deserved holidays – albeit without neglecting his fitness in the least – before returning to action.
A key date for Hamilton and for the start of the 2020 season will be the very special 14th of February, a perfect day to make F1 fans fall in love again with German squad.
On that day, the Mercedes W11 will be officially unveiled at a shakedown in Silverstone. On that occasion, the car with which the team aspires to conquer its seventh consecutive crown will make the delights of eager fans by performing its maiden run of the track.
At a personal level, Hamilton is also in the pursuit of that magic number, which would draw him level with the legendary Michael Schumacher in the number of world titles.
The pre-season tests, which have been shortened to last only six days against the usual eight, will start at the Catalunya Circuit only five days after Mercedes’ presentation and before the first race of the season.
That first GP will be the Australia Grand Prix 2020 at the Albert Park Circuit in Melbourne from the 13th to the 15th of March.
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Images of Lewis Hamilton: Mercedes
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