The conclusion of Lewis Hamilton’s new Mercedes contract for 2024 awaits the finalization of a few minor specifics.
Anticipation had grown among fans, expecting the Brackley-based team to wrap up the protracted negotiations concerning the seven-time world champion during this weekend’s Zandvoort race.
However, when posed with the question on Thursday regarding the contract’s finalization, Hamilton, 38, responded simply with a “No”.
Toto Wolff, the Team Principal, expressed optimism about the situation, telling Sky Italia, “We’re only talking about small details such as marketing schedules and so on. I’m not worried at all.”
Mercedes’ PR strategy at the Dutch GP seems to be in response to rumoured tensions between Wolff and Hamilton. To this effect, they released photos showcasing both of them sharing a pleasant moment, smiling and shaking hands.
Speaking to the Italian broadcaster, Hamilton added his sentiment about Wolff, stating, “Toto is a great boss and Mercedes have supported me for such a long time. I don’t feel that there is any tension between us. We trust each other. We have the same goals and we know that we can achieve them together.”
Amidst the ongoing discussions, George Russell showcased a commendable performance, securing the third position in the qualifiers. However, Hamilton trailed significantly, ranking thirteenth.
While Wolff criticized Yuki Tsunoda for impeding Hamilton’s progress, Hamilton himself confessed to his setup being “slow”. Acknowledging the car’s challenges, Wolff shared, “The car is difficult to drive. We have a window in which it works very well – but unfortunately it is quite small.”
