Hamilton says “life-long” partnership with Mercedes is “super appealing”

© Paul Ripke for Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix Ltd.

In an interview with Sky Sports F1 Lewis Hamilton and Toto Wolff discussed Lewis’ contract negotiations with Mercedes.

A lot rumours have been swirling around recently regarding Lewis Hamilton’s future in Formula 1. The Briton’s contract with Mercedes expires at the end of 2020, which understandably poses an intriguing question of what his next step will be.

Sky Sports F1 conducted an interview with both Hamilton and Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff and the six-time champions’ contract negotiations were one of the topics.

“We haven’t sat down and talked yet,” said the Briton.

“It’s crazy because there’s all these talks in the media and everything.

“I have a certain approach normally in the sense that I don’t stress. I trust Toto and we have that trust between us.

“We have told each other basically what our goals are, and what our aims are, and our commitments and so I don’t ever feel there’s necessarily always a rush.

“But sometimes Toto’s like ‘is everything ok?’ So we always keep the channel open and I’m sure in the near future we’ll start to sit down.

“But I don’t feel stressed.”

One of the more persistent rumours said that Hamilton requested a significant salary increase from Mercedes. Wolff however says there is no truth to that whatsoever.

“I texted Lewis the other day and [said] I’m reading all these comments in the press about our negotiations and that Lewis is asking for so much money – we have never talked about it! It’s all made up. Then I said maybe we should sit down one day and have the chat.

“But I think I know so well where he’s going to go, you know where I am, it’s about finding a day where we spend a few hours together. That’s what we’ve done in the past.”

Another rumour said that Hamilton, having met with the CEO of Ferrari, was discussing a possible switch to the Italian team. The Briton was asked if he would like to drive for Ferrari.

“I think that’s like a short-term kind of thing,” said Hamilton.

“If you look at all drivers who have driven for Ferrari, obviously it’s an incredible team and obviously the car’s always beautiful red. I have got red on my helmet. Red is the colour of passion or love or whatever you want to say.

“But what Mercedes have done for all their drivers – even Sir Stirling Moss is still a part of the team – they honour that and you become a part of a legacy and a life-long partner, which I think is super appealing.”

The full interview will be made available on Sky F1 soon, but you can watch a 4 minute clip below.

Source: Sky Sports F1

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