Lewis Hamilton’s contract saga continues to go on, with a recent report having revealed that Mercedes aren’t happy with a demand made by the seven-time World Champion.
It’s been almost three weeks now since Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff revealed that a new contract for Hamilton was just “days” away, suggesting that there’s something which the two parties just can’t agree on.
The Daily Mail has revealed what that issue could be, based on information obtained through some of their sources.
The newspaper have reported that Mercedes aren’t pleased with two demands being made by the 38-year-old, which could result in no deal being agreed.
Want to work in Formula 1? Browse the latest F1 job vacancies
Reportedly, Hamilton is wanting his new contract to consist of a guaranteed bonus, something he doesn’t currently have.
Hamilton is currently on £27.5 million per season, whilst he also receives a bonus of £15 million for winning the championship.
Supposedly, Hamilton wants the bonus to become guaranteed income as part of his new contract, something the Silver Arrows are unwilling to give him.
Mercedes are believed to be wanting to offer the 103-time race winner a one-year contract for 2024, with the option for a second season (2025).
This would see the Brackley-based team perhaps enter the new power unit regulations in 2026 with a new driver alongside George Russell, should Hamilton decide to either leave Mercedes or retire at the end of 2025.
As it stands, Mercedes will be needing a new driver for 2024, should the Germans and Hamilton continue to hit stumbling blocks.
Apparently, Mercedes are also against offering Hamilton a separate ambassadorial contract, something Hamilton is reportedly pushing for.
READ: Mercedes told to sabotage 2023 season
It’s believed that Hamilton has asked for a 10-year ambassadorial contract, at the small price of £200 million.
The ambassadorial deal is believed to be a serious issue in the negotiations, which Mercedes would presumably like to be done ahead of the British Grand Prix.
It would go down very well with Hamilton’s fans if a contract extension is announced ahead of his home race, which takes place in two weeks as always at the Silverstone International Circuit, where he’ll be pushing for victory.