© LAT Images for Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix Ltd
After it has been announced that Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff will stay with the team for three more years, talk turned to Lewis Hamilton’s contract.
The Briton is yet to sing a new deal with Mercedes, a deal that would take him through 2021 and possibly beyond.
Lewis Hamilton has said on several occasions that his future with Mercedes could depend on what Wolff decides about his future. Now that Wolff’s status has been confirmed, Hamilton’s new deal is thought to only be a formality.
“From my point of view, we had such a successful run at championships in the past seven years, that there is no reason not to continue,” said Wolff about the situation.
“He is on the top of his game and he will be for a while. And that’s why continuing together is a no-brainer.
“If you refer to why haven’t we got a signed contract? The reason is simple. We always prioritized about getting this championship done, and not being distracted by sometimes difficult discussions, as is the nature of negotiation.
“But then COVID struck. So it has delayed us a little bit, but we are not worried in eventually getting it done.
“We are putting no special date to it, because we don’t want to be put under pressure from you guys [the media] while it’s not signed yet.
“So sooner or later, it needs to be done. At the latest before we go testing.”
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Pre-season testing is expected to begin a bit later next year, at the start of March, due to the late finish to the 2020 season.
Daimler Chairman of the Board of Management Ola Kallenius also agrees Hamilton is the right person for the team.
“I think Lewis Hamilton is the greatest, or one of the greatest race drivers of all time,” said the Swede.
“I’ve known him since he was a teenager. I think his dedication and professionalism when it comes to how he has dedicated his life to being the greatest is remarkable and applaudable.
“And he’s a nice guy, too. So we would like to continue this partnership.
“And then it’s up to Toto in his role to get that done,” concluded Kallenius.
