Mercedes are ready to sign Lewis Hamilton on a new long-term contract following his victory in Sunday’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix which sealed the 2014 Formula One world championship and the second title of his career.
Talks postponed from last month are expected to start within days and Mercedes want Hamilton, whose three-year deal runs out at the end of next season, to stay well beyond 2016. “We want Lewis to stay for many more years,” said the team’s motorsport director, Toto Wolff, on Monday, as he appeared at a press conference with Hamilton, who had been ready to discuss his future earlier but was advised to wait until after Sunday’s race.
His team-mate, Nico Rosberg, signed a long-term deal in July and Mercedes want Hamilton to do the same. Hamilton, currently paid about £19m a year, will negotiate himself, with help, after letting his contract with the agent XIX Entertainment lapse. He said on Monday: “We haven’t discussed the nuances but someone mentioned it’s pretty much a formality. I haven’t made any decisions on how you go about it. Ultimately, driving is what I do best. I’m not a businessman, I’m not a contract negotiator. So nothing is really decided on how the meeting will go.
“The contract I currently have is a great contract. I’m going to take some time to try and understand how I can help the team more, and how the team can get more, and how the team can utilise me more. Because I’ve got a lot of followers. Ultimately I think not a huge amount will change.”
Jenson Button may still have weeks to wait before being told whether McLaren want him for next season, however. A board meeting in early December is likely to decide whether Button or his team-mate, Kevin Magnussen, will partner the new signing Fernando Alonso next year.
McLaren’s executive chairman, Ron Dennis, said on Monday: “That’s where it will be discussed. I’ve not made up my mind yet, but it’s not mine alone, and anyway, it wouldn’t be appropriate. Any decision has to be supported by the shareholders and the board. It’s pretty understandable we’re looking at two people, and there’s a broader choice than Kevin and Jenson, but nevertheless whatever the decision, it won’t be taken until the board meeting.”
