Wolff: Lewis and I will agree on contract extension

According to Toto Wolff, Mercedes is preparing to renew its contract with Lewis Hamilton and the seven-time world champion himself believes he can drive another five years in Formula 1.

Hamilton’s deal with Mercedes will expire at the end of 2023, when he is on the threshold of his 39th birthday. Lewis once hinted that he was unlikely to continue racing into his forties, but this year he said the work he is doing still gives him pleasure and that “there is still a lot of fuel in the tank.”

In an interview with British TV channel Channel 4, the head of the Mercedes team suggested that signing a new contract with Hamilton is only a matter of time.

“The advantage is that we communicate a lot. Last week we had a conversation and Lewis said, “Look, I feel like I can perform for another five years – how do you look at it?” Wolff, who lives next door to Hamilton in Monaco, said. “It’s just that during our time together we’ve matured and we can talk to each other very openly.

The day will come when Lewis will be the first to say, “Enough, I can’t take it anymore.” The reactions may have been so fast, racing is no longer fun and a new generation of super-fast guys is growing up.

Therefore, I have no doubt that we will always be very open about anything to do with the future, and agree on a contract extension so that it will happen.

I don’t know, maybe 40 years old is an age that is no longer suitable for such a profession as a racer. But if you look at Fernando Alonso, who is 41, he still shows great speed. You can ask the question like this: is he still the same Fernando as he was at 25 years old? I don’t know, but he still performs at a very high level.

I think Lewis has a long way to go, given the lifestyle he leads, to dedicate himself completely to Formula 1. And all his other activities are nothing more than a hobby.

Toto Wolff specifically emphasized that he was impressed by the approach George Russell is demonstrating, and suggested that his partnership with Mercedes would also be long-lasting: “George, who has joined our team, has shown the best side. to see. He is a good man, he has a very conscientious attitude and is willing to work with Lewis. This year both helped the team to intensively refine the car.

Of course, George hoped he could win races and championships with Mercedes, but he came to the team at an unfortunate time. In any case, he is making progress and the time will come when he will take victories and compete for titles. I think he has all the necessary qualities for that. I think it would be good if he stays with the team for a long time.”