Toto Wolff confident in finalising new Mercedes contract with Lewis Hamilton, could be signed before Canadian GP
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Published 13/06/2023 at 13:02 GMT+1
Mercedes team principal and CEO Toto Wolff has expressed confidence in reaching a new contract agreement with Lewis Hamilton. Amid speculation about Hamilton's future, Wolff said that negotiations were progressing with the hope that an agreement would be reached in the coming days ahead of the Canadian Grand Prix. He also spoke on the importance of retaining Hamilton in Formula 1.
Verstappen on his dominant victory in the Spanish GP
Mercedes team principal and CEO Toto Wolff says seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton could sign a new contract before the Canadian Grand Prix.
Mercedes has struggled to match Red Bull's performance on the grid over the last 18 months, leading to speculation about whether Hamilton would opt for a fresh challenge or commit to another contract with the Silver Arrows.
With Hamilton's current agreement expiring at the end of the year, there have been reports that Ferrari are preparing a bold bid to lure him away from Mercedes.
Both Hamilton and Wolff have consistently maintained their intention to secure a new contract, with the Mercedes team principal even suggesting last year that Hamilton could extend his Formula 1 career for up to five more years.
Nevertheless, the delay in negotiations has raised concerns that Hamilton might either retire from the sport altogether or explore options with a different team.
However, Wolff has indicated that a breakthrough has been achieved in the contract talks, offering hope that an agreement will be reached within a matter of days.
"It is going to happen soon, and we are talking more days than weeks," Wolff told CNBC.
"We are trying hard [to get it done before the Canadian Grand Prix]. I will see him today, and maybe we will talk about it. We have such a good relationship that we dread the moment that we need to talk about money."
Wolff also emphasised the significance of keeping Hamilton in Formula 1, given his immense influence both on and off the track.
"He is the most important personality in the sport," Wolff continued. "He is so multi-faceted, not only with the racing but also off-track, and we need to keep him in the sport for as long as possible."
Furthermore, Wolff highlighted the longstanding partnership between Hamilton and Mercedes, underscoring the value of their professional and personal connection.
"From a team's perspective, Lewis and Mercedes have gone back a long time. He has never raced for any other brand than Mercedes.
"We both joined the team in 2013 together and from a professional relationship, we now have a friendship. It has been a wonderful time."
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