Ex-Formula 1 driver David Coulthard is totally convinced that Lewis Hamilton will remain at Mercedes next season, with the former Red Bull driver believing that there isn’t “any realistic chance” that he’ll leave.
Despite his contract having just four months remaining on it, the seven-time World Champion is still yet to sign a new deal with Mercedes.
This is despite Hamilton and team principal Toto Wolff having told the media several times this season that a deal will be completed.
Many are surprised at how long it’s taken for an announcement to be made, especially as it’s allowed rumours to circulate.
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Charles Leclerc has notably been linked to Hamilton’s seat at Mercedes, whilst the 103-time race winner has been linked in the other direction to Ferrari.
According to QN Motori, Hamilton actually rejected an offer to join the Maranello-based team next season.
The reported offer supposedly came directly from Ferrari chairman John Elkann, whilst team principal Frederic Vasseur is also believed to have tried to work his magic on Hamilton.
The Mercedes driver has rejected all approaches though and has his heart set on remaining with Mercedes.
Coulthard believes that unless there is a sudden “major fallout”, the 38-year-old will stick with the Silver Arrows.
“I don’t think there is any realistic chance that Lewis will leave Mercedes unless there is a major fallout, and I can’t see that happening,” Coulthard told the Irish news.
“Who would the major fallout be with? Even if it was with Toto [Wolff], Lewis’ relationship with Mercedes’ parent company Daimler is much longer than Toto’s emergence as team principal of Mercedes.”
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The general rumour is that Hamilton’s new deal – when he signs it – will be for another two years with the team, taking him to the end of 2025.
George Russell is also contracted to the Brackley-based team until the end of 2025, after Mercedes activated an option for an additional season with the former Williams driver.
Should Hamilton sign his new deal as expected, then he’ll presumably be hoping that the Germans can offer him a car capable of defeating Red Bull in 2024, something he needs to fight for an unprecedented eighth title.