Speculation surrounding Lewis Hamilton’s future in Formula 1 has been persistent throughout the 2023 season.
However, Mercedes has remained steadfast in their belief that they will secure the services of the seven-time champion.
Both Hamilton and team principal Toto Wolff have consistently expressed confidence in reaching a new agreement.
Speaking ahead of the British Grand Prix, a race dear to Hamilton’s heart, Wolff reiterated his expectation of a deal being reached, while clarifying that no announcement would be made during the weekend.
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“I’m very confident about Lewis staying in Mercedes,” he stated. “We’re going on holiday stress-free.
“It’s just not happening in Silverstone.”
While both parties maintain that a contract extension is a matter of time, the prolonged negotiations have sparked curiosity about the potential sticking points.
Sky Sports F1 commentator David Croft speculated that the length of the proposed contract may be a factor, with the 38-year-old driver potentially seeking a longer commitment than what is currently on offer.
Croft suggested, “Toto says the contract discussion is not about money, that’s not the sticking point.
“So maybe Lewis is after a longer deal.
“If you look at Fernando Alonso, just because you’re over 40 doesn’t mean you can’t compete in Formula 1.”
Previous suggestions that financial matters were impeding progress were refuted by Toto Wolff, who affirmed, “This is not a money discussion at all.
READ: Lewis Hamilton denies ‘money situation’
“It is about the future, what is it that we want to do right and optimise?
“We’re not talking anything anymore about duration, money, all of that – it’s other topics.”
While fans eagerly await news of Hamilton’s contract extension, the focus remains on his performance at the British Grand Prix, a circuit where he has enjoyed tremendous success.