After driving an uncompetitive McLaren car for years, Lewis Hamilton took a leap of faith by joining a newly formed Mercedes team. The team hadn’t proven itself at the time but the Brit decided to join the Brackley outfit and the rest is history. However, this prolonged and rich history has become an obstacle to contract negotiations. Hamilton’s expiring contract needs to be renewed soon but the fog of uncertainty is dense. However, this “awkward” situation might be resolved by an old tactic by the Mercedes boss.

Hamilton and Toto Wolff joined Mercedes for different reasons, especially Hamilton. However, the two have been by each other’s side from the very beginning of their Mercedes journies and for a decade now. Despite their roles in the team, the two have formed a formidable relationship and friendship. So speaking to ESPN, Wolff revealed the awkwardness of indulging in difficult conversations with his friend. Something he had to do in his kitchen at a Christmas party back in 2016.

“It’s super awkward. Every three years we know that we have this moment. And it’s like negotiating financial terms with your best friend, with a close friend,” said Wolff. “How do you tackle that? Normally you don’t have such a situation. I want the best for him, but in that role, I need the best for the team. That can be the only time in our ten or 11 years when we are together and our objectives diverge.”

“At the end of the day, talking about money with your friend is difficult,” he concluded. Considering the lowered 2023 salary worth $35,000,000, Toto may have to be very persuasive with Lewis and use his bond to get pen to paper.

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Despite all these years, there is still a sense of awkwardness between the two. Wolff might have to use his old kitchen tactics once again to get Hamilton to put pen to paper. However, before we reference the kitchen incident once again, let us bring you up to speed.

What is the Christmas party kitchen incident between Lewis Hamilton and Toto Wolff?

Despite being thick as thieves, after Nico Rosberg won the 2016 championship, Hamilton and Wolff’s relationship hit rock bottom. Similar to the current situation, there were a lot of doubts about Hamilton’s future with the German team. However, Wolff recently revealed, how a kitchen rendezvous and an interesting analogy saved his relationship with the Brit.

Wolff revealed, “We were in my kitchen. I said to him, and Susie didn’t much like this analogy, that even though Susie and I might disagree about something, it would never come into my mind to divorce. ‘And it’s the same with you Lewis,’ I said. ‘I don’t want a divorce. You’re the best driver. I want you in our car and we want to provide you with the best car.’”

WATCH THIS STORY: How a Kitchen Rendezvous Prevented Lewis Hamilton-Toto Wolff’s “Divorce”

After a five-hour discussion, the two were on the same page and the rest is history. Wolff might have to deploy the same tactic to convince Hamilton to continue his time with the Brackley outfit. Although, the Brit might not commit without convincing evidence of change in machinery. The race in Imola should reveal more.