It has been a tough couple of years in Formula 1 for Lewis Hamilton, missing out on his record breaking eighth world championship in 2021 in controversial and heart breaking fashion, before being forced to drive an uncompetitive car in 2022 and watch his rivals pass him by.
While this much disappointment would see many drivers call time on their careers, it has only provided Hamilton with even more motivation to drag himself and Mercedes back to the very top of F1, despite their slow start under the new regulations.
Both Hamilton and Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff have claimed that a contract extension will be signed over the winter break but with only days remaining until the new year begins, fans are beginning to wonder why nothing has been made official yet.
It is believes that the seven-time world champion has three demands that could be holding up negotiations with the Silver Arrows, as he looks to secure the best possible deal for what could be his final contract as a driver.
READ: Lewis Hamilton reveals why he doesn’t support some campaigns
Firstly, it is believed that the Brit would like a clause in the contract that would see him move into a post-racing role with Mercedes following the end of his days in the cockpit, as Hamilton has previously claimed that he wants to stay with the team for the rest of his life.
Given Hamilton’s advanced mechanical and technical understanding of the sport, it is unlikely that this request will be too much of a stumbling block for Mercedes, who would also want to tie down the Brit after his racing career is over.
Secondly, Hamilton would reportedly like to travel less and fulfil more of his responsibilities from home, as the 37-year-old hopes to spend more time with his family during the closing stages of his career rather than flying around the world for promotions and sponsorship deals.
READ: Will Buxton admits regret as he slams the FIA for controversial rule change
“I’m sure there’ll be a lot of Zoom dates in the contract rather than actual present days which means I have to fly less,” explained Hamilton after the COVID pandemic, which saw him spend more time with his family and friends.
The final and most obvious talking point in Hamilton’s contract extension is the finances, as the seven-time world champion obviously wishes to secure a lucrative of a contact as possible with the team.
The Brit was forced to cut his demands from a $200m contract to a $150 one during his last negotiations with the team, and with this possibly being the last contact of his career, Hamilton will certainly be looking to barter with Toto Wolff for the best possible deal.
Wolff has recently reassured fans that Hamilton’s contract extension is a formality and will 100 percent be done over the break, leaving his driver’s demands as hurdles rather than blockades.