Formula 1: Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton is currently in negotiations with his team regarding the contract extension. The Briton’s existing contract that he signed before 2021 is reaching to a conclusion at the end of this season. The seven-time world champion is still one of the most sought-after driver at the grid. Thus, until the team and Lewis actually put pen to paper on this deal, speculations will naturally ensue. The recent salary figures posted by Forbes has further exposed the magnitude of this deal. Follow Formula 1 Live Updates on InsideSport.IN.
Mercedes and Lewis Hamilton is arguably the most lethal combination in the sport. Since 2014, once Mercedes got back to winning way, they never looked back. After joining Silver Arrows in 2013 as a one time world champion, what followed was an array of titles and a sheer dominance. Now, the circumstances have changed for worse. The Brackley-based isn’t a frontrunner anymore, and many are saying it is not boding well with the British driver.
More recently, Forbes Magazine published the list of highest paid athletes in the world. Lewis Hamilton stands at 21st in the list, and highest amongst F1 drivers, pipping rival Max Verstappen with a fine margin. Hamilton’s on track earning in 2023 is $55 million, which has come after his worst season so far in his career. The amount is primarily his contractual fees and other minimal proceeds.
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Lewis Hamilton and Toto Wolff Adamant on Signing the Mercedes F1 Extension
The talks are in work lately between Hamilton and team boss Wolff. The Austrian made his intentions clear about continuing with Lewis for another stint. Though, as the Forbes figures are out, many are speculating if the delay has become primarily about monetary agreement. The fact that Hamilton earned more money than Max Verstappen last year is proof enough that the Briton is highest paid driver by a mile.
However, even after an array of disappointing starts, both Hamilton and Wolff are highly positive about the deal, with Hamilton calling Mercedes his home. “I’d be lying if I said I’d never thought about ending my career anywhere else. But then I go to my team, to Mercedes, and this is my home. I’m happy where I am. I haven’t signed a contract yet, but we are working on one,” said the seven-time world champion as reported by Crash.
Toto Wolff also voiced his eagerness to keep Lewis in the loop for following seasons with the team. “It’s been 11 years that we’ve been together and every single time when we talk about Lewis’ contract, it’s six months of where are we and what is happening? It is not any difficult contract negotiations. It’s just putting a few different numbers in there. That’s what we do,” added Wolff.
Also read- Max Verstappen Net Earning: Red Bull star pips Erling Haaland in Forbes Top 5 under 25 List
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