Mercedes And Hamilton Will Discuss Contracts In Days

Lewis Hamilton (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff said he did not want to rush into talking about Lewis Hamilton's contract, but it is hoped that talks between the two can take place in the next few days.

According to Woolf, his party will give Hamilton a few days to enjoy his victory and the achievement of his seventh world title at the Turkish Grand Prix last weekend.

“After reaching his seventh title, you can't suddenly talk about contracts. It's not fair for his achievement, "said Wolff told the BBC, quoted by Antara from Reuters, Tuesday, November 18.

"We'll give it a few days, then we'll talk about it," he added.

Wolff had previously joked to reporters that Hamilton's victory at the Turkish Grand Prix and his equaling Michael Schumacher's record would make the 35-year-old's contract value "even more expensive."

But that did not make him resign. He only emphasized that he did not want to rush into a decision.

"Most likely later this year," said Wolff.

✊🏾 @LewisHamilton has been named as the most influential black person in the UK! Lewis has topped the # Powerlist2021. The list honors the most powerful people of African, African Caribbean and African American heritage in the UK. pic.twitter.com/QAowJQDPxu

- Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@ MercedesAMGF1) November 17, 2020

“It's not that we didn't find the right timing, but I don't want to put pressure on the team to say 'before Bahrain' or 'before Abu Dhabi' we will announce a new contract. There is no pressure. When the contract is signed, everything will be finished, ”he said.

As such, the contract extension between Mercedes and Hamilton is likely to come before the two consecutive Formula 1 races scheduled for Bahrain on November 26 and December 6. It could also be before the final series in Abu Dhabi on December 13.

Lewis Hamilton. 7x @ F1 Champion of the World 🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆ⓘ 𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗲 pic.twitter.com/zAjgYU0Ye3

- Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@ MercedesAMGF1) November 17, 2020

However both Wolff and Hamilton have provided hints that the two sides are interested in continuing next season together.

"He loves racing and competing as much as this team and myself ... so I see we will continue to be together next year, having another incredible year," said Wolff.

Meanwhile, Hamilton said he also did not want to rush into signing a contract with Mercedes. He still wants to focus on the remaining races this season.

"We still have three weeks in the Middle East. So now I can relax a little bit, but I still have three races I have to win, "said Hamilton.