Formula 1: Toto Wolff reveals Lewis Hamilton contract goal

Toto Wolff commented about the prospects of a new contract for Lewis Hamilton with Mercedes for the 2022 Formula 1 season.

Nearly two months after the 19th of 20 drivers was confirmed on the grid for the 2021 Formula 1 season, seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton finally signed a new deal to return to Mercedes for this year.

But despite reports of Hamilton’s huge contract demands after winning his record-tying seventh world title and breaking the all-time wins record, the two sides only ended up agreeing to a one-year deal.

Related Story. Lewis Hamilton contract comments raise eyebrows. light

Hamilton, who was technically no longer a member of Mercedes for more than a month by the time he finally signed his new deal with the team in early February, said later that ultimately settling for a one-year deal was his decision.

However, further comments made by the 36-year-old Briton raised eyebrows regarding that statement.

More from Formula One

Nevertheless, Hamilton is back with the Silver Arrows this season, and while the reigning seven-time world champions have looked like the second fastest team behind Red Bull so far in 2021, he got the season off to a great start by winning the opener at Bahrain International Circuit, just ahead of Red Bull’s Max Verstappen.

But with just a one-year deal, Hamilton and the team are effectively in the exact same situation they were in last season, and it took until the month before this year’s preseason testing for them to finally agree to a new contract.

To put that in perspective, teammate Valtteri Bottas signed a fifth straight one-year deal in August, more than six months before Hamilton and the team finally put the pen to paper.

Team principal Toto Wolff says that things will be resolved much sooner this time around, although he gave no clear indication regarding whether or not that actually means new deals for his two drivers.

He did admit that he would love to have Hamilton back for a 10th consecutive year with the team. Here is what he had to say about the matter, according to Formula 1.

"“I very much hope so; the journey that we have had together was very successful. He has been a Mercedes driver – a Mercedes kid since his go-karting years. He never raced a single weekend in Formula 1 without a Mercedes power unit, so it’s the logical continuation of the story. …“We don’t want to leave it until January to confirm the two drivers. Valtteri was pretty regular during the summer – this is when it should happen. Also, to give the driver peace of mind, or be able to concentrate on the job. And obviously for next year there’s lots of balls in the air and we will always try to do the best for the team long-term while also giving total loyalty to our current driver line-up. We are not doubting either Valtteri or Lewis but discussions obviously are going to happen – but not in January next year.”"

Wolff’s comments come amid rumors that Mercedes will look to promote junior driver George Russell, who is in the third and final season of his contract with Williams, to the factory team next year after he impressed them as Hamilton’s replacement in last year’s Sakhir Grand Prix after Hamilton tested positive for COVID-19.

McLaren CEO Zak Brown has even suggested that Mercedes will completely overhaul their driver lineup for next year by bringing in both Russell and Verstappen. The latter is under contract with Red Bull through the 2023 season, but a performance clause in his contract would allow him to opt out after the 2021 season if he is unable to challenge Mercedes for the title this year.

So regardless of what ends up happening and when, there is sure to be plenty of Hamilton contract drama this year, just like there was throughout the latter half of last season and throughout most of the offseason.

And we only have one race in the books.

Next. Top 25 Formula 1 drivers of all-time. dark

After winning the season opener, Hamilton is set to take his lead in the driver standings to Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari, where he won last year, for the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix on Sunday, April 18. This race is set to be broadcast live on ESPN beginning at 9:00 a.m. ET.

Home/Formula One