Lewis Hamilton’s new contract with Mercedes still has a few t’s to cross and i’s to dot, but there’s no doubting the outcome of the talks between the two parties, or the lucrative value of the driver’s new deal.
Hamilton’s current contract with the Silver Arrows squad expires at the end of this year, and the word in the paddock is that the new deal is potentially worth a mammoth £120m!
The four-time world champion and mega star is expected to commit to a two-year tenure with Mercedes, with an option for a third season.
Overall, that equates to a £40m a year retainer for the man who starts the 2018 season as the outright favourite for the world title.
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Hamilton shares a ride with fellow fashion force Gigi Hadid
Questioned at the end of last year on the status of Mercedes’ negotiations with its star driver, team boss Toto Wolff said a new deal was likely just around the corner.
Former F1 driver David Coulthard offers some insight on the reasons why talks are apparently still ongoing – albeit in their final stages – three months later.
“The delay is unusual in as much as normally when two parties want to work together, they get the paperwork done and put to one side,” Coulthard told The Sun.
“The off-season is the best time to do that because in season you are busy trying to set up the car and deal with sponsors and partners, so that is just another thing to look at for the schedule.
“Lewis has the confidence to know that they both want it and as ever the main details of the contract delay will be two things.
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