The 1996 Formula 1 world champion Damon Hill has given a much-needed breakdown of the situation at Mercedes regarding the contract of seven-time world champion and fellow Brit Lewis Hamilton.
Hill has shed light on the “bureaucracy” at Mercedes that has halted signatures and left the F1 world in the dark over the future of Hamilton in Formula 1.
“The talk is that Lewis is finalising a much longer-term deal that goes beyond his racing career,” Hill told Sky Sports.
“The car company itself is involved, so there is a bit more bureaucracy in this deal.”
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Although Hill’s comments are based on theory rather the fact, he is certainly an individual in the right sphere of influence.
Hill, much like David Coulthard, has been vocal on the form of Hamilton aware that the fire burns deep in the Brit as he battles to attain his would-be record-breaking eighth world title.
“He is starting to gel with that car now and he has solved some of the problems he faced,
“So I would be amazed if he doesn’t want to go out on a high by winning that eighth title, and he is absolutely motivated by that. He has got that longevity and he looks after himself.
“He needs a competitive car, half-a-chance, and someone like Lewis will rise up to that challenge and find more in himself. At the moment we are seeing a happier Hamilton, and a happy Hamilton is a fast Hamilton.”
However, neither Hamilton nor Toto Wolff has been able to provide a clear-cut answer when quizzed on contract proceedings.
Wolff has recently speculated that a deal was close to being signed, telling the media that the finalization was “days” away.
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The rumours suggesting a sensational move to Ferrari could be in the offing have since deflated with Hamilton pushing for a long-term deal with the Silver Arrows.
Hamilton has been with Mercedes for over 10 years winning a record-equalling six world titles, clocking 82 race wins along the way.
It has been a match made in heaven and it seems in the current climate, the best-suited team to go on and win an 8th world title, which would take him ahead of Formula 1 legend Michael Schumacher.