If anyone knows what a humbling experience feels like, it is the lot belonging to Mercedes. Lewis Hamilton, who has statistically been declared the most successful driver of the sport, has now gone 17 months without a win. And all the credit for this goes to the unconventional interpretation of the 2022 regulations by the engineers. Sticking to the zero side-pod design hasn’t been fruitful, so the team will unfurl new upgrades at Imola. But what should one expect from it considering Toto Wolff and George Russell have taken opposite podiums in this debate?

All this controversy and excitement around the upgrade was recently discussed at the F1 Nation Podcast. Tom Clarkson and Damon Hill discussed the massive leap Mercedes is going to make. However, the issue here is who should one believe, Toto Wolff, who is overselling the package? Or his driver, Russell, who specifically asked people to not expect much?

Clarkson said, “You spoke to George. It was after the race in Miami downplaying. He said, ‘Listen, don’t expect too much’ and then you have Toto saying ‘There’s a big package coming’.”

They continued, “And of course, we are expecting a lot—especially when they talk about the side pod coz side-pod has been the big bone of contention over the last two years. As to why their side-pods look so different than everyone else. Also, then you have people in Mercedes saying, ‘Well that is actually a small part of the aero package and you are making too much of it.’ But there has got to be something in it and we are very excited to see what they are gonna bring in terms of that in Imola.”

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While this mystery will be revealed in a few days’ time, fans are also sitting on the edge of their seats to get updates about Lewis’ contract negotiations.

Toto Wolff highlights the major issue with Lewis Hamilton’s contract negotiations

Wolff stated that every three years Lewis and the team are at this juncture where they have to negotiate financial terms. And the issue here is that the CEO and TP Wolff are best of friends with Hamilton. However, Wolff also lets us in how their situation is tackled.

Wishing the best for the 7x champion, as quoted by PlanetF1, he added, “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 then added the person who has been the moderator in the whole back and forth. He said, “Penny [Thow, Hamilton’s manager] helps. Penny has been keeping us in check and we have found a good modus operandi with her about how we talk.”

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Do you think Lewis Hamilton will win with Mercedes again?