Ex F1 Driver Believes Toto Wolff is Powerless in Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes Contract Talks
Follow Us
Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes are at loggerheads over his F1 contract extension. Apparently, they think the driver is asking for more than what they can offer.
What’s more, the financial implications induced by the Coronavirus pandemic make it even more difficult for them to fulfill his demands. Most other F1 teams are already proposing to introduce a cap cost on the salary of the drivers.
But what really goes on in the background of these contract negotiations? Ex-F1 driver David Coulthard, who has some experience in this department, is on hand to explain.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
“It is usually the team principal who is handling the negotiations and is empowered,” Coulthard told Express Sport.
Though it is important to note that Toto Wolff is not just the Team Principal at Mercedes, he is also the 33% owner and an equal partner, along with Jim Ratcliffe and the Daimler group of the F1 division. However, the buck may not stop at the Austrian’s doorstep.
“Lewis and Toto will have that conversation together and if Toto is not empowered to give Lewis what he wants then Lewis has the ability to go to Ola Kallenius at Daimler and say, ‘Ola, I want to do this deal, you are also the shareholders, can you make this happen?'” Coulthard explained.
What are the potential outcomes from the demands of Lewis Hamilton?
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
From there, they have the principal authority to decide the outcome of this deal, as narrated by DC, “Mercedes have the ability to add should they choose.
“They also have the ability to say to Toto ‘we are not investing any more money in the drivers than we did last year. If Lewis wants more money, the answer from our side is no – you have to go and find it from somewhere else’.”
Trending
Fernando Alonso Delivers His Message to George Russell Following Ballistic Rant on Radio By the Mercedes Driver
March 24, 2024 10:17 AM EDT
“All Spanish Aston Martin Next Year”: Carlos Sainz Could Join Fernando Alonso in 2025 as Bad News Awaits Lance Stroll, Predicts Eddie Jordan
March 28, 2024 02:18 PM EDT
“You Are Disgusting”: Ex-GF Isa Hernaez’s ‘Vengeful’ Update Leaves Fans Pointing Fingers at Carlos Sainz
October 28, 2023 10:12 AM EDT
Lewis Hamilton Named Niall Horan’s Favorite Driver, as Former One Direction Star Revealed as F1 Fan
March 27, 2024 01:21 PM EDT
F1 Rumor: Christian Horner Plans to Seize Full Control of Red Bull Empire With Drinks & Racing; Position ‘Strengthened’ by the Stakeholders
March 28, 2024 01:08 PM EDT
Get instantly notified of the hottest F1 stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.
Follow Us
But the deal may already be close to completion if we can trust the words of Toto Wolff. The season is barely a couple of months away from kicking off in Bahrain. And they must strike a deal with Lewis Hamilton, who will be gunning for a record 8th world title. Any other outcome will be a travesty.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
What Happened to the Lewis Hamilton Private Jet?