Lewis Hamilton contract: Mercedes have Ferrari and Michael Schumacher lesson to learn

Lewis Hamilton compared to Schumacher by David Coulthard

When it comes to replacing an outstanding F1 driver, it can be difficult. So that’s something Mercedes should bare in mind regarding Lewis Hamilton, who is yet to sign a new contact with the Silver Arrows. After all, Ferrari never have quite recovered since Michael Schumacher departed in 2006.

A new Hamilton contract seemed a formality just weeks ago.

After cruising his way to a seventh F1 Drivers’ Championship, drawing level with Schumacher in the history books in the process, everybody expected him to stay.

But Hamilton still hasn’t signed a new contract and, at the current moment in time, is technically a free agent.

The Brit and the Silver Arrows both recently teased an agreement but, since then, new details have come to light.

It’s claimed he’s opposed to the idea of having George Russell on his same side, determined to stay in the spotlight – as current partner Valtteri Bottas allows him to.

And his salary demands continue to muddle things, with the Silver Arrows reluctant to keep the 36-year-old on the same £40million he currently earns.

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But while Mercedes have every right to play hardball, they should learn from Ferrari when it comes to negotiating.

They had Schumacher in his prime, with the German simply unparalleled between the years 2000 to 2004.

But, ever since his departure, Ferrari have struggled to dominate the sport.

Since Schumacher’s final triumph in 2004, they’ve won just one Championship as a team – back in 2007, when Kimi Raikkonen was in the seat.

Since then, they’ve been forced to watch from afar as their rivals have dominated.

Red Bull were sensational between 2010 and 2013, winning four Championships with Sebastian Vettel behind the wheel.

And Mercedes have been Formula One’s driving force over the past seven years, with Hamilton winning six titles and Nico Rosberg scooping another.

So if they want to stay at the top of the sport, they can ill afford to let Hamilton go.

And what ultimately happens with his future is something only time will tell, especially with links to Russell refusing to die down.

Meanwhile, former F1 team boss Eddie Jordan has claimed he’d axe Hamilton at the current moment in time – insisting the Brit is replaceable.

Speaking in an interview with F1 Insider, Jordan said: “Apparently the parties disagree on the terms. I just heard that Lewis wants more than Mercedes are willing to pay.

“It’s also about sharing the team’s income and having an influential role in the Mercedes group.

“If I were the boss of Daimler, I would show him the door – either you drive on our terms or you go.”

Jordan added: “I would also tell him what Bernie Ecclestone said after Ayrton Senna’s death.

“Even though Bernie was shocked and sad like everyone else, he was the first to regain his composure and said to us ‘now stop whining – everyone is replaceable’. Lewis should know that by now.”

Jordan also thinks Aston Martin have made the wrong move by bringing in Vettel, while also expressing a belief that Lance Stroll was plagued by inconsistency.

“I like [Vettel] a lot but I think Aston Martin made a mistake in signing him,” said Jordan.

“The last two years against Charles Leclerc at Ferrari have been pathetic.

“I don’t know why he looked so bad, he won four world titles. But I think he’s past his peak. In any case, I would have kept Sergio Perez.”

“Lance is like a lucky bag. You never know what’s inside.

“Sometimes he drives well, sometimes he drives extremely badly.

“He’s anything but consistent.”

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