Mercedes and Lewis Hamilton is a TV series that has just reached its eleventh season. The Anglo-German team and the British champion have gone through several contract renewals. The most recent, at the beginning of 2021, required months of waiting. Again, the path does not seem so linear.
Driver and team motivations
Toto Wolff has recently started talking to Hamilton about a renewal and, even if the signing is almost certain, the last word has not yet been said. After a start to the season that is so reminiscent of 2022, Hamilton first wants to make sure that the W14B, which will debut next weekend at Imola, can be competitive. On the other hand, the Brackley team wants certainties and avoids reliving the situation at the end of 2016, when he had to rush to find a replacement for Rosberg who had just retired.
Now, the question is: Will Hamilton retire at the end of the year? The chances are almost nil: the British champion himself has repeatedly stated that he wants to continue working with Mercedes and that he is not yet satisfied, despite his countless firsts. Just his hunger, however, could be the straw that overflows the vase and blows up the negotiations in case the W14B turns out to be a flop.
Who could replace Hamilton?
In any case, Hamilton should remain linked to Mercedes for another ten years, at least as brand ambassador. But who could be the alternatives?
In pole position is Lando Norris. Hamilton's compatriot has a contract with McLaren until 2028, but recent years have shown how contracts can be terminated before they expire (see Piastri and Alpine).
The possibility of signing a top driver is of crucial importance. Without two top-level drivers, Mercedes would risk losing constructor positions, positions that are held high today by a pair of drivers that hardly anyone can claim on the grid.
However, these are only guesses. The reality is that Hamilton wants to stay in Mercedes at least until the end of 2025 and his sentiment is obviously reciprocated. The Englishman wants that damned eighth title and will chase it until the end of his days. Will Mercedes be able to provide him with a car worthy of a currently unattainable Red Bull? We will only find out by living.
