Sir Lewis Hamilton’s ongoing contract saga with Mercedes is “almost a bit embarrassing”, according to former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher.
Speaking to Speedweek, which is owned by Red Bull Media House, Schumacher also warned Hamilton that no one is irreplaceable in Formula One.
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“It’s a shame and almost a bit embarrassing,” the German said.
“It is February now, and the most important man in Formula One, the seven-time world champion, has still not been confirmed [as a Mercedes driver].
“I always hear that it is all about money, but I hope that is not true.
“Hamilton in particular, with his humanitarian streak, has to understand that you cannot demand 100 percent in these times,” he added.
Continuing, Schumacher said “Lewis should never forget” the risk of him being replaced by another driver, such as George Russell, at Mercedes.
Last month, a poll of Formula1News.co.uk readers found that 84 percent of F1 fans believe that Mercedes should drop Sir Lewis Hamilton and replace him with Russell.
Earlier this week, F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali said he believes it’s unlikely that money is the only thing holding up Hamilton’s negotiations with the Mercedes F1 Team.
“I’m not in Lewis’ head and not even in Toto’s position,” Domenicali said.
“But he has to take an important decision for his life. I really hope we can have this announcement soon because what he is going to fight for this year is something that, from the sporting perspective, is incredible.
“I can imagine the pressure and the dynamic of how he wants to reach this new record [winning eight World Championships] because that would be an incredible story to tell.
“I think they are discussing a lot of points. I don’t think that is only a point related to his salary or whatever you call it.
“I think it’s really more related to what they have in mind to share together in the future. I think that’s the reason why,” the former Ferrari F1 team principal added.
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