F1 News: Mercedes Chief Puts Lewis Hamilton Rumours To Bed

As the F1 world eagerly awaits the outcome of contract negotiations between Mercedes and seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton, team principal Toto Wolff has sought to quell rumors that Hamilton is “begging” for an extension.

“I don’t see it that way at all,” Wolff said in a recent interview with Auto Motor und Sport. “I said very early on that Lewis will always have a seat with us. A decision is always discussed between us.”

Hamilton’s current contract with Mercedes is set to expire at the end of the 2023 season, but both parties have expressed interest in extending the partnership. Despite a difficult season for Mercedes in 2022, Wolff emphasized that Hamilton’s “desire is exactly the same as in 2013” and that the driver is “too strong, too resilient, and too determined to say ‘Well, the car’s not good enough and that’s why I’m going’.”

The Mercedes-Hamilton partnership has been one of the most successful in the sport’s history, with Hamilton winning six of his seven World Championships and the team securing eight consecutive constructors’ championships. As Hamilton enters his eleventh year with the team, fans are eager to see him return to the top of the podium.

While the specifics of the contract extension have yet to be confirmed, one thing is certain: the Mercedes-Hamilton partnership has proven to be a winning formula and both parties are eager to continue this success. As Wolff said, “We will certainly negotiate as in previous years. I don’t see any indication that we need to change anything.”