Mercedes has opened contract talks with Lewis Hamilton over new deal

Mercedes chief Toto Wolff has opened contract talks with Lewis Hamilton and says the world champion being 38 is not a barrier to getting a deal done… with the seven-time world champion set to increase his £40m-a-year salary

  • Lewis Hamilton has made no secret of his desire to stay racing with Mercedes  
  • The 38-year-old has had one discussion so far about penning an improved deal
  • Hamilton, a six-time champion, currently has a salary worth £40million-a-year

Toto Wolff has opened contract talks with Lewis Hamilton – but negotiations run to just one conversation so far.

The Mercedes boss made the revelation as part of the team’s launch over Zoom on Wednesday. 

He also said Hamilton’s age – 38 – is not a bar to sealing a new deal, which would likely an upgrade on his £40million-a-year salary.

Wolff confirmed: ‘We have done a few of these contracts in the past and they change little from iteration to iteration, so it is not complex apart from the obvious – terms.

‘We have had a first chat but I don’t want to commit to any timeline because it’s not important for him or for us. He has a full year to run and we will find the right time.

Wolff has already started negotiations for a new deal for Hamilton

Toto Wolff (right) has revealed talks are already underway for a new Lewis Hamilton (left) deal

On Wednesday the Silver Arrows launched their new W14 car ahead of the 2023 F1 season

On Wednesday the Silver Arrows launched their new W14 car ahead of the 2023 F1 season

‘He appears in great form, very positive, motivated, energised, maybe the best so far I have seen in his 10 years with us.

‘I don’t think he has any doubt the team will perform, eventually.

‘The age, 38, plays no role in this next contract. 

‘If you look how well top athletes have pushed the boundaries. 

‘I am thinking about Tom Brady, who is 45 and he is on the pitch throwing a ball and being tackled.

‘We have always found a good value that reflects his worth to the team and to the sport and, on the other side, Mercedes is the place he wants to be, so these things have never been contentious.

‘Nothing is dragging on and the alignment is great.’

Hamilton has spoken of his desire to continue with Mercedes for several more years. 

He is currently the second oldest man on the grid after Aston Martin’s new recruit Fernando Alonso, who is 41.

Wolff (right) has said Hamilton's (left) age of 38 will have no bearing on any new contract

Wolff (right) has said Hamilton’s (left) age of 38 will have no bearing on any new contract

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