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Is Lewis Hamilton approaching the last race with Mercedes? Hamilton without Mercedes or vice versa is unimaginable. Hamilton’s illustrious career with Mercedes began in 2013 after leaving McLaren, and he has since amassed an incredible 82 victories, 6 driver titles, and eight constructors’ titles. However, it is revealed that Hamilton’s desires and the team’s intentions are “miles apart on what to do next,” highlighting the considerable gap that needs to be bridged for an agreement to be reached. As negotiations have stretched on for seven months, the situation has become increasingly precarious for both parties.

The anticipation surrounding Lewis Hamilton’s contract extension with Mercedes has reached a tipping point. What was once deemed a mere formality by team boss Toto Wolff has now turned into a prolonged saga, casting doubts over the seven-time World Champion’s future with the team. With Hamilton’s current deal set to expire at the end of 2023, negotiations have hit a roadblock, primarily due to his staggering demand for £20 million ($25 million) per year, while pushing for a new five-year, £250 million ($319 million) contract that would reestablish him as the sport’s biggest earner at £50 million per year. However, it is not the magnitude of the contract that is causing the deadlock.

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According to the Daily Mail, The primary stumbling block revolves around Hamilton’s financial expectations. Currently earning £27.5 million ($34.9 million) annually, with a £15 million ($19.07 million) bonus contingent on winning the championship, Hamilton seeks a fixed salary instead. However, given his current standings in the championship, the bonus seems unattainable this season. While Mercedes is reportedly offering Hamilton a one-year contract with an option for a second year, the crux lies in the additional demand for an ambassadorial role.

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Hamilton is pushing for a ten-year deal that would add another £20 million ($25 million) per year to his account through ambassadorial responsibilities. This proposal puts significant pressure on the relationship between the team and the driver, as neither party is willing to compromise at this stage.

With negotiations reaching an impasse, speculation has mounted Lewis’s contract extension, the coming weeks are crucial in determining whether the alliance between the legendary driver and the once-dominant Mercedes team will continue or come to an unexpected end.

Is Lewis Hamilton’s Journey Coming to an End with Toto Wolff & Co.? 

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As Lewis Hamilton’s contract with Mercedes approaches its expiry date, the F1 community eagerly awaits news of his decision. After an immensely successful partnership, the question now arises whether Hamilton’s journey with Mercedes is reaching its conclusion. While both Hamilton and Mercedes expressed confidence in reaching an agreement, nearly 12 months have passed since discussions began, with no major breakthrough yet.

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Both Hamilton and Toto Wolff expressed confidence in reaching an agreement, but the complexity of the contract details has caused a delay. Wolff after assuring that “its a matter of weeks” shed light on the situation, emphasizing the involvement of various parties in the negotiation process. Wolff highlighted the intricate nature of the contract discussions, stating, “There is Lewis’ management, lawyers on our side, it never depends on me alone.” He acknowledged the strong relationship and friendship between himself and Hamilton but emphasized that other factors are influencing the decision-making process.

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With his contract set to expire at the end of the season, the entire F1 community eagerly awaits an answer to the question: Will Lewis Hamilton stay at Mercedes, or is this an end of an era?

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Vidhita

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Vidhita is an F1 writer at EssentiallySports. Driven by her deep passion for motorsports and a love for the exhilaration of speed. Since 2016, she has been captivated by the world of F1 after watching a race with a relative, and her fascination has only grown stronger over the years.
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Edited by

Aishwary Gaonkar