Lewis Hamilton’s contract speculation has been wild this year. Multiple scenarios including a move to Ferrari, retirement, a swap with Charles Leclerc, and now an ambassador role at Mercedes. One just cannot keep up with it. Amid all this, Toto Wolff responds to greedy accusations after he rejected Lewis Hamilton’s $25,000,000 demand. How did Wolff respond to the accusations?

The Lewis Hamilton contract saga continues with no confirmation regarding a deal. However, speculations have been going around Hamilton’s contract. While Toto Wolff suggested that only the finer details are left, Lewis Hamilton is believed to have asked for a 10-year deal, 2 as an active racer and the remaining 8 as an ambassador for Mercedes. However, the seven-time champion’s $25,000,000 demand for the ambassador role was rejected by Toto Wolff and Co. 

Amid all this, questions have been raised about Toto Wolff’s greedy motives. In an episode of BBC’s Desert Island Discs podcast, Toto Wolff was the guest and he was asked questions about his motives. The host advised that usually, Team Principals don’t have a share in the team whereas Toto Wolff owns ⅓ of Mercedes. She added that critics suggest that Wolff’s decisions are based on the Balance sheet.  

Toto Wolff replied that it’s all about winning championships for him and he would even give up his dividend for a championship. According to the podcast he said “People sometimes question my motivation, but it is the stopwatch only. If I would give up any dividend to win a world championship because that is what drives me. But I also guess that some of the critical voices are trying to find points of attack and at the end, it’s a conventional business that sometimes yields returns.”

Read More: Toto Wolff Issues Reality Check Unaligned With Lewis Hamilton’s Elusive Dream Amid Shaky Contract Negotiations

Toto Wolff’s motives have been questioned before as well when it came to Lewis Hamilton’s new contract. Let’s see what that was about.

Toto Wolff’s selfish motives are questioned as Hamilton’s contract is left hanging in the balance

Toto Wolff owns ⅓ of Mercedes AMG F1 Team with Eneos and Mercedes owning the remaining thirds. Lewis Hamilton is supposedly asking for a contract where he’ll be an ambassador for 8 years. However, his salary will be paid from Toto Wolff’s pocket as well, since he owns part of the team. But the benefits are only going to be for Mercedes and Ineos on the marketing side.

According to Motorsport-Total.com, Ralf Schumacher said, “Accordingly, I believe that he is looking for long-term cooperation with Mercedes after his active career. And I think that’s exactly the sticking point. Because Mercedes is of course only one-third of the owner of the team. This is also a cost issue, and I think it’s taking a bit long at the moment. Does Mercedes want and can afford it?” [Translated via Google]

What do you think? Is Toto Wolff’s motives purely to win the championships?

WATCH THIS STORY | How 10-year-old friendship between Lewis Hamilton and Toto Wolff is coming in the way of $35 million worth contract renewal