Schumacher uncovers the truth behind Hamilton's F1 contract hold-up?
Jun.17 - Ralf Schumacher thinks he knows why Lewis Hamilton's contract negotiations are taking so long.
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff said earlier this week that he hoped to get the seven time world champion's signature on a new deal by Sunday's Canadian GP.
But Hamilton, 38, then said in Montreal that it could actually take another month - amid rumours he is demanding a full five-year deal and more money per season than is earned by current champion Max Verstappen.
Former F1 driver Schumacher, however, thinks the real reason for the delay is because Mercedes and Daimler CEO Ola Kallenius has been drawn into the talks.
"Lewis will not drive forever," he told Sport1, "but he wants to stay connected to his motorsport home Mercedes after his career as well.
"However, Toto Wolff cannot negotiate such a long-term contract. That is Kallenius' area of responsibility. That's why it can still take a while yet," added Schumacher, whose nephew Mick is the reserve driver at Mercedes.
Hamilton appeared to confirm that as he said in Canada: "It's more complicated than usual because it's not just a simple driver contract."
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He'll stay put anyway, zero doubts.
This Sir Lewis crap will go on until forever just like it does every year. I am NOT in the "he is a blight on society" camp, but if I never hear his name again I can live with it. A great young talent in his early 20's is now a jerwad in his 30's. IMO IMO
Ror "IMO" Not required when you speak the truth
Its NOT just Kallenius, its the BoD too, after all it'll be Merc who'll be paying for his dress making videos and nose jewelry documentaries, lets be blunt , Merc don't need him,The general public are a fickle lot, i don't bite at certain peoples posts anymore
A good point was made above - over one or two-year contracts, the CEO needs to get involved, because he has to take it to the BoD and get their input. This is way more than it being all about Dame Lucille - it is now about the Mercedes BRAND. Perhaps The Dame is trying to write himself into being a "spokesman" for Mercedes? Or being in all their car ads; or being elected onto the BoD? When it comes to the Brand - that is the exclusive domain of the highest eschelons of any corporation - and is fiercely defended. No single high-profile celebrity will be given that kind of power.
Spot on, and Sir Lewis being a "high profile celebrity" to rep a luxury brand is questionable.
BTW, Canadian, behind VER we got a pretty decent F1 race yesterday.
This off another site dated 25-6
Lewis Hamilton's contract position looks set to change, as he and Mercedes have failed to agree on multiple areas of his new contract, which is up for renewal at the end of 2023.
The team have led an impressive recovery since their switch to Red Bull style sidepods, achieving top four finishes at each of the three Grand Prix's since the Monaco GP.
After the Spanish GP, Toto Wolff insisted the deal would be done as soon as the two "sat down for coffee", but it appears that talks may have stumbled over the following weeks.
According to the Mail, Hamilton would like a new long-term deal with a guaranteed £15 million bonus upon agreement of the contract.
It appears that Mercedes are only willing to hand the Brit a one-year deal, with the option for a second.
It's not just the driving part that Hamilton is concerned about, with his hopes for a ten-year, £200 million ambassador role within the company a problem too.
Reports state that Mercedes are not in a position to accept any ambassadorial demands, and could prove to be a significant roadblock as talks progress.
With the British Grand Prix just two weeks away, the two sides will be hoping to get a deal done soon in order to help give Hamilton that extra motivation to deliver as the season develops.
It seems all is not well, bored journos, or some truth to it?, your toast... but well give you a year, but heh you don't have to accept it...! lol
Shrop', somebody needs to explain to me how ANY retired driver is worth $20m per year as an 'ambassador'. I can only believe that Sir Lewie is using that as a throw-away bargaining tool. That, or the lad is daft. LOL Of course we knew all along this 'negotiation' would go on for months. Headlines, my friend, headlines.
Well ten years of skirts and lacey knickers maybe, but no he isnt there's 50 other top sports people Merc can use to sell cars as I said before Merc dont need him, Merc are in a very strong position this time around, i see tears, tantrums, and tiaras when they just say take it or leave it..!, the sky interviews in Austria are going to be Gold, I fear the party is slowly drawing to a close...Nico , oh Nico.
BTW, Leopold does a great job of distilling the news, but GP 24/7 has interesting takes on much of this stuff.