Lewis Hamilton contract: George Russell has ‘substantially reduced’ Mercedes star’s value

Lewis Hamilton compared to Schumacher by David Coulthard

Lewis Hamilton may have George Russell to blame when negotiating terms on a new contract with Mercedes, according to reports. Hamilton’s future remains a hot topic in the F1 paddock with the 36-year-old yet to sign a new deal at Mercedes.

Pre-season testing gets underway in little under two months, leaving both parties with plenty of time to get something agreed.

Hamilton gave an update on social media earlier this week while he was out doing pre-season workout training on the slopes.

He wrote: “On top of that, lots of work ongoing in the background.

“Many moving parts but just checking in to let you know I’m doing good, I’m healthy and mentally strong right now in my bubble.”

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However, RaceFans report negotiations between Hamilton and Mercedes are taking longer than they would normally do.

The report points back to both parties being miles apart in terms of a salary with Mercedes boss Ola Kallenius said to be only willing to pay £14.7million-a-year.

That would be a significant drop off from Hamilton’s previous deal, worth a reported £40m-a-year.

The seven-time world champion though is said to have demanded a pay rise, along with perks in his new deal.

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However, the report claims that Hamilton’s strength in negotiations have since been weakened after Russell’s performance at the Sakhir Grand Prix.

It is reported that Hamilton’s sporting value as a whole has been ‘substantially reduced’.

Russell stepped in to take Hamilton’s seat in Bahrain with the F1 British racing superstar testing positive coronavirus.

It was a chance for Mercedes to see their young prodigy take to the track in their W11 in a race setting and how he would compare against Valtteri Bottas.

The Finnish driver pipped his weekend team-mate to pole on Saturday, but Russell took the limelight on race day.

Russell stole the lead heading into the first corner and only increased his gap at the front throughout the race.

A pit error from Mercedes as well as a puncture late on derailed Russell’s race, but the evidence was there that he was more than capable to perform at the front of the grid.

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