The most successful driver in Formula 1 history ends his contract at the end of 2023. The old soap opera, new season, of the renewal between Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes has begun. The Englishman already stated a few months ago his intention to continue in the World Cup, and not for a short time. Now Toto Wolff picks up the glove, slide that “There has already been the first conversation” but he does not want to talk about deadlines, quite the opposite. “We have made several contracts already during the last years and little things change between them, beyond the obvious terms. I’ve had the first conversation, but I don’t want to talk about time. It is not important for us right now”, says the Austrian leader.
Hamilton’s 38 years are not taken into account. Alonso turned 41 and signed at least two more seasons. For Wolff, “age does not play a role.” “Tom Brady was 44 or 45 years old and he was at his peak. Regarding the contractual situation, we always find solutions that reflect his value to the team and the sport. Mercedes is the place where he wants to be. We are aligned. Sitting down to talk is not a priority because This journey will continue.” repeat.
Regarding the aspirations of the English pilot: “He is in good shape, very positive, motivated. The best I’ve seen in these years. He knows what he has in this team, we won eight consecutive constructors’ titles and we messed up last year. The resources and capabilities are there. But we have to continue developing like last year. We will be at the level, at some point.” Sir Lewis completed his first F1 season without a win in 2022, something that had not happened since he made his debut in 2007.