For the second year in a row, very unlike themselves, Mercedes started the season with a substandard challenger. The Brackley outfit failed once again at giving Lewis Hamilton a car worthy of fighting for the championship. Another year and the Red Bull is running rampant. However, after the initial few races, Hamilton received a boost as the team ditched its zero-pod concept to take on a new developmental path. The same path Hamilton was tussling for with Mercedes, a tussle that still seems to be going on. However, despite the recent boost, the team suffered in Austria but Hamilton is still staying positive.

The Austrian GP showcased an unreliable side of the W14 for the first time since the concept change. Hamilton communicated his suffering during the race as well, for which he infamously got told off by Toto Wolff. The Brit might’ve gone silent after the communique from Wolff, however, now the Brit has opened up about the struggles with the W14. Although in his comments, there was a silver lining.

According to Marca, Lewis stated, “I have not been happy in the car for over a year. Lately, we have taken a step in the direction that I have been clamoring for. I am not yet able to extract my full potential, but I am approaching my best time. However, still I am limited. The car has been very unpredictable for a long time, but it is becoming more predictable, which is positive.” [Translated via Google]

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In fact, these struggles are also believed to be the reason behind Hamilton stalling the contract extension. Recent news might’ve proved the previous statement false until Toto Wolff intervened.

Toto Wolff discloses the contract situation of Lewis Hamilton as the saga continues

The prolonged contract talks have become a part of everyday news now. The future uncertainty was propelled into headlines once again. A report claimed Hamilton made a massive demand for $25 million a year for 10 years to become Mercedes’s ambassador. This demand on top of the salary might’ve caused some further delays in the contract negotiations. However, according to Toto Wolff, that’s not the case.

“We want to do it super, to every detail, and sometimes you can have a situation where everything is carved out,” he explained. “But this is not a money discussion at all. It is about the future, it is: what is it that we want to do right and optimise. We’re not talking anything anymore about duration, money all of that. It is just other topics.” 

The two parties are really taking their time with the negotiations but perhaps it’s for the best. This will give ample time for Hamilton to see if they’re on the right path and make an educated decision. However, it will be interesting to see if the talks collapse and Hamilton decides to join another team.

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