The fact that Lewis Hamilton’s new Mercedes contract was so long in coming had to do with little things like marketing, according to Toto Wolff
The delay in Lewis Hamilton’s new Formula One contract was largely down to side issues such as marketing commitments, according to Mercedes.
For a long time, Mercedes and Hamilton fans had to wait until it was finally announced before the race in Italy a fortnight ago that Hamilton and also his team-mate George Russell had extended their contracts by two years until 2025.
It had been hoped to have the new contract wrapped up by the beginning of the year, but the issue dragged on. The delay even fuelled speculation that Hamilton might not stay with Mercedes, or in Formula One at all.
Throughout the negotiations, however, both parties stressed that the key elements of the contract had been wrapped up relatively quickly and that the final steps to clear up the paperwork had been lengthy because lawyers were involved.
Now that the deal is finally wrapped up, Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff says the new contract was no more difficult to process than the previous one – only minor things like marketing took time.
“I think Lewis and I agreed on the main points in June, July,” Wolff says. “Then it was hit and miss, and then it was summer break. “
“In the end it was things around marketing, not really the big relevant issues, that took up a bit of time. With lawyers, sometimes it can take a bit of time, although of course ours are excellent.”
Despite not winning a race since 2021, Hamilton remains one of Formula One’s biggest attractions and is confident he can return to the top with Mercedes.
His continued commitment to grand prix racing has been welcomed by Formula One boss Stefano Domenicali, who says it is good news for the racing series that the Briton has a wide range of fans.
“I am very happy with Lewis’ decision,” said Domenicali. “He is an exceptional driver and I believe he has only one goal today: his eighth world title. I’m sure he feels very comfortable, he has great confidence in the team and from a sporting point of view it’s good to know he’s in.”
“Moreover, Lewis has managed to connect Formula 1 with completely different worlds, which is undoubtedly positive news for the whole of Formula 1,” the Italian added.