Hamilton at crossroads as new Mercedes deal saga rolls on?
Jan.22 - Lewis Hamilton is "at a crossroads" in his Formula 1 career, according to a well known F1 commentator.
Alexey Popov, the voice of Russian broadcaster Match TV's coverage, said the seven time world champion is now the focus of media attention as his long-delayed contract negotiations with Mercedes reportedly stall.
"The British press writes about him every day," he told his podcast.
"The Italians, the Dutch too. Eddie Jordan says he wouldn't take it, Ecclestone has talked about it. Everyone is trying to figure out what he wants," Popov added.
Hamilton is reportedly not only demanding a pay-rise, he wants a share in the political and financial power of the dominant Mercedes team too, Popov said.
"The head of Ineos, Ratcliffe, is also a sir, as is Hamilton now," said the Russian. "Lewis probably thinks that if Mercedes can't pay him in full, Ratcliffe - one of the richest men in the UK - will cover the difference."
Former F1 driver Christijan Albers this week said the affair is hurting Hamilton's image - and could even cost the 36-year-old driver his plum seat.
"Try to explain to the CEO of Daimler, one of the largest automakers in the world, why Lewis Hamilton is so special when George Russell is squeezed into a seat he doesn't fit in and performs like that," he told De Telegraaf.
"Surely it makes Ola Kallenius think 'What's going on there?' If Lewis had signed four months ago, this wouldn't have happened. It's the risk he has taken in asking for more money," said Albers.
Respected F1 writer Pino Allievi, however, has joined former F1 supremo Ecclestone in thinking that the contract affair is "just a show with a happy ending".
"We might assume that an agreement was already reached in Abu Dhabi," he told Italy's Autosprint. "Do you really think a major player like Ineos would enter the market without the guarantee of Hamilton's contract extension?"
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IMO, Ineos entered the scene because MB is a major player, not because of its F1 driver line-up. Re HAM signing a new contract, push is coming to shove.
IF HAMILTON CARRIES ON LIKE THIS HE WILL LOSE THE RESPECT OF A LOT OF FANS,THE FANS HE IS ALWAYS SAYING HE LOVES WITH GREAT PRIDE. DON'T BE GREEDY SIGN ON THE DOTTED LINE AND LETS SEE THE AMAZING RACING WE ALL KNOW HE IS CAPABLE OF. FLY THE BRITISH FLAG AND SHOW US ALL YOU ARE WORTHY OF THE KNIGHTHOOD YOU RECEIVED. DON'T FORGET THERE ARE PLENTY MORE DRIVERS OUT THAT HAVE PROVED THAT THEY ARE MORE THAN CAPABLE OF REPLACING YOU AND TAKING YOUR PLACE, INCLUDING THE WORLD CHAMPION CROWN. 'GET ON WITH IT'
Regretfully the combination Mercedes and Lewis has made F1 boring on most race Sundays. Either Lewis gets off first and leads the entire race never actually racing anyone or he starts midfield or way back because of some qualifying blunder, then passes everyone on an easy pickings basis thanks to his vastly superior car. So he is not happy, who cares? Can we just move on and concentrate on what can actually make F1 interesting? Yes, George Russel did great, but a few others might have done even better with the same car.
You are criticizing Hamilton for winning qualifying and leading the race or criticizing Hamilton for starting in the pack and winning the race.
You should read the post more carefully, I’m not criticizing Lewis’ driving in any way. What I am saying is that I’m not going to shed a tear if he is not happy with his ultra privileged lot. He can sit out the season, he can go to Ferrari, whatever, let’s move on.
Just goes to show that Hamilton is not as good as he is portrayed, I hope he gets shit canned.
dont ever put yourself above every one as there are several drivers there would fill his shoes and he would not get the number 8 he would remain 7 titles just an equal not overall the best dont be too greedy as it could be your downfall remember mercedes are bigger than you are
Lewis is acting like a CHILD wants wants wants just concentrate on driving he is paid enough to race but yes those who have always want more.
Like a spoiled child
A petchulant spoiled child with narrow vision.
I cannot believe that the big Mercedes company accept this BS from someone they "gave" such an top machine . Mercedes is getting weaker and weaker and in the meantime forcing or trying to force Merceds and F1 into political debates. Unbelievable that Mercedes is tolerating this "rich kid "game , and I will not take Mercedes serious anymore. Contract an other driver and get rid of the disturbing demanding spoiled brat, called Hamilton ! Yes he "was" a great driver but now he is nothing more than a manipulator.
i fully agree with you he is not being loyal to his fans i was one of them i think Vettel could give him a run in his new drive and i will have a laugh in satisfaction also he is not true to a sponsor that puts a lot of money into the team that is Petronas the Malaysian Oil Company he needs show respect to them
Just tell him to f### off merc don't need him nor does F1 let him go do all his political crap we are all sick & board with it
F1 does not need Hamilton. Be done with it. Let him go!
honestly, i think Bernia is right and all of this is just one big show, im sure that Hamilton will continue with Merc
All these comments - on the unsubstantiated conjecture of one man! No wonder it is said that social media is dangerous and ruinous