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ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain and Mercedes GP looks on in the Paddock during previews ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi at Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)
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ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain and Mercedes GP looks on in the Paddock during previews ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi at Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)
Fans of both Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes are eagerly awaiting the news of the former’s contract resolution news. As it stands, both parties are reportedly some way off in reaching a compromise.
Naturally, the intention to carry on succeeding for a few more years remains mutual. But apparently, the length of the contract and differences in salary valuations are proving to be sticking points in the negotiations.
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Speaking in an interview, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff talked about how their lawyers are hard at work in the contract process. He is also looking at things from an optimistic perspective and seems confident about the renewal being completed.
‘We have to sign something at some point’, says Wolff
Sky Sport Austria quote Wolff as saying, “The lawyers are hard at work. But before Bahrain at the latest we have to sign something at some point.” (translated via Google Translate)
“I’ve already threatened him with the fact that I’ll be next in line to sit in. But in our long-term partnership it is not at all about showing any threatening gestures.”
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MEXICO CITY, MEXICO – OCTOBER 27: Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain and Mercedes GP prepares to drive on the grid before the F1 Grand Prix of Mexico at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez in Mexico City, Mexico. (Photo by Charles Coates/Getty Images)
The synergy between Hamilton and the Silver Arrows is something that has been built over time. The successes that have followed come from a deep-rooted understanding between both driver and team, and that is something that could permeate in the negotiations as well.
Lewis Hamilton has an opportunity to add to his titles tally with a contract extension
“One day we’ll pull out the fountain pen. We have a really solid basis in our relationship, we have had great successes together and we want to continue doing so in the future,” concluded Wolff.
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Formula One F1 – Abu Dhabi Grand Prix – Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton in action after the race Pool via REUTERS/Giuseppe Cacace
Mercedes’ golden period looks set to continue, which is why the prospect of competing for few more years entices Hamilton. The 36-year-old could end up with eight Drivers’ titles, surpassing the legendary Michael Schumacher in the process.
Understandably, there will be a lot of factors that impact the eventual decision making from both sides. But if history is evidence, a contract renewal might be forthcoming prior to the 2021 F1 season start in Bahrain.
