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Former McLaren Mercedes driver David Coulthard says some sponsors “will have signed up with the Silver Arrows because Lewis is there, rather than George Russell”.
Although everybody expects Lewis Hamilton to remain at Mercedes for several more years, the official deal between the two parties is yet to be signed.
Former F1 driver David Coulthard, who was driving for McLaren during the team’s famous Mercedes partnership, explains what he believes makes Lewis’ negotiations a bit complex.
“Mercedes will want a certain amount of time from Lewis for their partners,” the Scot said.
“Mercedes will have sold sponsorship on obtaining access to their drivers. Some businesses will have signed up with the Silver Arrows because Lewis is there, rather than George Russell.
“Perhaps Lewis might be wanting to do fewer days or have fewer commitments? What Lewis will be signing up for goes way beyond him driving at a grand prix.
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“It is about what rights he retains in terms of his image, and what rights he sells to the team.
“Mercedes are buying more than just Lewis’ driving services. They are buying his promotional image and his PR image.
“I don’t think there is any realistic chance that Lewis will leave Mercedes unless there is a major fallout. And I can’t see that happening. Who would the major fallout be with?
“Even if it was with Toto, Lewis’ relationship with Mercedes’ parent company Daimler is much longer than Toto’s emergence as team principal of Mercedes,” Coulthard concluded.
