Rumors of a Civil war at Mercedes already rose last weekend when Lewis Hamilton and George Russell almost crashed during the Spanish GP weekend. Now, Hamilton’s whooping $319,000,000 demand has tipped to trigger the civil war at Mercedes. But what is this expensive demand? Why will it trigger a civil war? Whatever it may be, Toto Wolff sure has a handful of things to manage with this new headache lingering on.

Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari rumors have faded away in the last couple of weeks after various claims made by the Briton himself and Toto Wolff. Hamilton advised during the post-Spanish GP interview that he is going to meet with Toto Wolff regarding the contract. Toto Wolff also came out suggesting that the contract is almost done and they will resolve the remaining details within days. 

Now reports have come out revealing one of the complexities that need to be sorted in the contract. Lewis Hamilton is asking Mercedes for the 5-year contract extension which will see the Briton race until he’s 43. The contract is speculated to be worth $319,000,000 for the duration of five years. Nevertheless, while George Russell might’ve been okay with Hamilton hanging around for a couple of years, 5 years would mean that Russell will probably have to spend some of his prime years in Hamilton’s shadow.

According to Daily Mail, a source revealed, “Lewis [Hamilton] wants five years, and if it were just a one-year extension I don’t think he’d accept it. They may need to reach a compromise because, while George [Russell] has probably made peace with the idea of Lewis being around for a couple of years, he might not accept being in the shadow of his team-mate for the long-term.”

Read More: George Russell Hailed to Send Aging Lewis Hamilton Into Retirement as Burning Questions Grab Attention

Toto Wolff had earlier explained how negotiations with Lewis Hamilton get awkward because of the bond that the two have shared over the years. However, this demand from the 7X champ acts as a double-edged sword. It may easily leave one of the drivers on the team unsatisfied. Still, Hamilton does not seem to be in a hurry to sign the contract. 

Lewis Hamilton gives the latest update on the Mercedes contract situation 

By now, it is almost certain that Lewis Hamilton will stay with Mercedes & few would bet against it. Multiple comments on meeting with Toto Wolff and the desire to stay at the Silver Arrows only point toward one thing. Despite the meeting, the contract isn’t signed yet. During the Thursday Press conference at the Canadian GP, Hamilton explained that the contract will be signed when the time comes. Whether it takes a week or a month, the Briton isn’t really bothered by it. 

According to SkySports.com, during Thursday’s Press conference, Lewis Hamilton, when asked about any advancements made toward the contract, said “I’ve seen Toto [Wolff]. We have talked several times. We have a great relationship. It will get done when it’s done. If that’s next week, in a month’s time, as long as it’s done I’m not really bothered.”

Over the years, Lewis Hamilton has had some lucrative contracts deals. Although, this may be pushing it all a bit. What do you make of his rumored 5-year contract demand?

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