Lewis Hamilton may have 3 requests as Toto Wolff plots winter talks

Lewis Hamilton opens up on difficult season for Mercedes

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Lewis Hamilton may have several demands before he considers signing a new deal with Mercedes post-2023. Hamilton is expected to hold talks over an extension to his current contract this winter but negotiations could stall over several factors. Money is expected to be one sticking point while Hamilton’s future after retirement could also be an important consideration.

Money

It is understood contract talks stalled ahead of the 2021 season due to disagreements over how much Hamilton was to be paid. The Briton reportedly demanded a four-year deal valued at £165million ($200m) as well as 10 per cent of the team’s prize money.

Daimler refused the terms with Hamilton eventually settling on a two-year contract worth over £123m ($150m). However, this could be Hamilton’s last contract negotiation in F1 so a higher pay packet will definitely be on his mind.

Hamilton could face opposition to the move after George Russell beat the seven-times champion in his debut year at Mercedes. Wolff has also been linked to talks with Red Bull star Max Verstappen and his father Jos which could apply pressure to Hamilton if talks stall.

Despite this, Wolff is adamant he wants Hamilton to stay, commenting: “Lewis is part of the team and the team is part of Lewis. There is no reason to not continue.”

Life after F1

Hamilton is expected to demand a role in Mercedes’ future as part of any new deal with the team. The British champion has previously claimed he would “definitely” stay at the German marquee for the rest of his life, even after racing.

He explained: “I plan on staying with Mercedes for the rest of my life, that’s a definite. It’s more figuring out what we are going to do down the line, even beyond racing I want to be building with Mercedes and there is a lot that Mercedes can do, it’s not just a car manufacturer.”

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Wolff has also confirmed it would be important to speak to Hamilton about roles as an ambassador for Mercedes in the longer term.

Family time

During the pandemic, Hamilton said he wanted to travel more with family after a tough season. He hinted time with family and friends was “the most important” thing as he joked that he expected less time in the factory.

He commented: “This year’s shown that, for example, you can work from home. So I’m sure there’ll be a lot of Zoom dates in the contract rather than actual present days which means I have to fly less.”

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