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SPIELBERG, AUSTRIA – Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain and Mercedes GP celebrates in parc ferme after winning the Formula One Grand Prix of Styria at Red Bull Ring in Spielberg, Austria. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)
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SPIELBERG, AUSTRIA – Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain and Mercedes GP celebrates in parc ferme after winning the Formula One Grand Prix of Styria at Red Bull Ring in Spielberg, Austria. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)
The Lewis Hamilton contract saga could finally reach a conclusion following months of continual negotiations. Mercedes have been in talks with the 36-year-old for some time now, with various aspects of the new deal discussed.
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According to the latest piece of news, Hamilton is expected to receive the same wage package of €40 million a year, as before. Besides that, the seven-time F1 champion could also have an interesting clause inserted into his contract.
A report, courtesy of F1-Insider, states, “According to information from F1-Insider.com, Mercedes and Lewis Hamilton (37) have come to an agreement after a long wrangling. World champion Hamilton, so far without a contract in 2021, is to sign a one-year contract with an option for a second season.”
Hamilton will also have a say on future teammates, says the report
“The salary is to remain the same (an estimated 40 million euros per year). Mercedes, however, is making a step towards Hamilton on the financial side: According to our information he can market two advertising spaces on his helmet and overall himself,” the report said.
Considering the Mercedes superstar’s reputation, the potential marketing opportunities will not be limited by any means. More interestingly, Hamilton could now also have a say on who his teammate should be at the team.
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NORTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 23: Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain and Mercedes GP poses during the launch of the Mercedes formula one team’s 2017 car, the W08, at Silverstone Circuit in Northampton, England. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)
The report continues, “There is also talk of a clause stating that the Briton will have a say when it comes to future teammates. In the scene, people are already openly talking about a “Verstappen clause”.”
A driver pairing of Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton would be ferocious
“The reason: It’s an open secret that Dutch Red Bull driver Max Verstappen (23) is on Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff’s future wish list. The clause is a compliment for Verstappen, because it shows Hamilton’s respect for him,” the report explained.
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ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – DECEMBER 01: Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain driving the (44) Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team Mercedes W10 leads Charles Leclerc of Monaco driving the (16) Scuderia Ferrari SF90 on track during the F1 Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi at Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)
One would obviously wish to see the defending champion pair up with a likely future champion to battle it out for the grand prize.
Mercedes have, of course, been long-standing admirers of the Dutchman Verstappen‘s talent. Although a dreamy picture, that move seems unlikely for the time being.
Regardless, the focus will now lie on Hamilton and whether he will sign that contract before F1 winter testing begins. From the looks of it, an announcement of the extension is forthcoming.
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