Lewis Hamilton’s driving talent questioned because of Mercedes amid contract saga

F1: How Hamilton compares to Schumacher

Lewis Hamilton’s driving ability has come under question as speculation over his future at Mercedes continues to swirl. The Brit has yet to put pen to paper over a new contract with the Silver Arrows and it is becoming more and more evident that he could not sign for another season.

Mercedes makes it impossible to measure how good a driver Hamilton really is.

That is the opinion of Ferrari star Carlos Sainz, who was keen to maintain that he believes the Brit is the best driver out there.

It comes amid growing speculation that the seven-time world champion will not sign for Mercedes as contract talk rankles on.

Hamilton’s contract expired last season and with the new campaign underway in a matter of weeks, there has yet to be an agreement.

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It is believed that the main issue revolves around the 36-year-old’s salary, with Mercedes keen to cut costs after a year affected by Covid-19.

Hamilton has been the undoubted star of Formula One in recent years, and over the last seven seasons, he has won six World Championships.

As a result, the Stevenage-born star has drawn level with Michael Schumacher’s record of seven titles.

But Sainz believes that much of that can be down to the fact that Hamilton is driving the superior car at Mercedes.

“I think Lewis is the best driver on the grid, I think he’s one of the most talented in history,” he told GPFans.

“But it’s impossible to know because there are only two Mercedes out there to drive, and that is my point.

“It’s unfortunate at the moment that the sport is so team and machine-driven while there is so much talent on the grid right now.

“All drivers could be within three-tenths of each other in a qualifying lap and then we are fighting for two seconds from the beginning to the end of the grid.”

Meanwhile, Michael Schumacher’s younger brother Ralf has labelled the ongoing saga at Mercedes as “embarrassing”.

“It’s February now and the most important man at the moment in Formula 1 – the seven-time world champion – is still not signed,” he said.

“I find that a shame and, I have to say honestly, a bit embarrassing.

“Lewis also must not forget the risk of what he is doing.

“It’s always said that it’s just about the money, but I hope not.”

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