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Formula 1 2023: Bahrain GP BAHRAIN INTERNATIONAL CIRCUIT, BAHRAIN – MARCH 04: Sir Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes-AMG, speaks to the media during the Bahrain GP at Bahrain International Circuit on Saturday March 04, 2023 in Sakhir, Bahrain. Photo by Steve Etherington / LAT Images 1019512328 Images PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxHUNxONLY GP2301_183037SNE54542
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Formula 1 2023: Bahrain GP BAHRAIN INTERNATIONAL CIRCUIT, BAHRAIN – MARCH 04: Sir Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes-AMG, speaks to the media during the Bahrain GP at Bahrain International Circuit on Saturday March 04, 2023 in Sakhir, Bahrain. Photo by Steve Etherington / LAT Images 1019512328 Images PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxHUNxONLY GP2301_183037SNE54542
Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton were best friends before the 2016 championship saga panned out. Since then, the German has been making salty comments about his former teammate. A Former F1 champion has now joined Rosberg as he takes a dig at Hamilton’s miserable couple of years while highlighting his lack of options. Who is this champion and what does he actually mean?
Lewis Hamilton has been longing for his 8th World Championship ever since it was robbed by FIA and Max Verstappen. Mercedes hasn’t been able to build a competitive car since 2021. As a result, rumors of Hamilton moving ships in search of the mystical 8th title have been going around. Some who believe that Lewis Hamilton would stay loyal to Mercedes suggest that he is going to retire soon. While all this is going on, Jenson Button has come forward and commented on Hamilton’s future.
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MIAMI GARDENS, FL – MAY 08: Mercedes-AMG Petronas Team Principal & CEO Toto Wolff and Mercedes-AMG Petronas driver Lewis Hamilton right talk prior to the start of the Formula 1 CRYPTO.COM Miami Grand Prix on May 8, 2022 at Miami Autodrome in Miami Gardens, FL. Photo by Doug Murray/Icon Sportswire AUTO: MAY 08 F1 Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix Icon79620220508149
Button suggests that the 38-year-old would stay loyal but also does not have any solid options to move after his Mercedes contract ends this year. Red Bull, Ferrari, and Aston Martin all have their reasons not to sign Hamilton for next year. Concluding these statements, Button suggests that the Briton will possibly be staying at Mercedes only. He then explained how Hamilton having a tough time with the team will be the real test of his loyalty.
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According to express.co.uk, Jenson Button said, “He’s loyal but I also don’t think he’s got the options that he would want. I don’t really think he would have the option at Red Bull. I don’t think he would be the right fit alongside Max [Verstappen]. I don’t think he’d be at Ferrari. Aston Martin? Definitely won’t be going to Aston Martin, they’ve got two seats that are going to be filled there for a little while. I think his future will be at Mercedes but he is also a loyal character and it’s good to see him going through some tough times with that team.”
Whatever the case may be, this season looks to have gone in the mud for Mercedes after the Shambolic display of the W14 and now Toto Wolff suggesting that the New upgrades for Imola are not going to make the W14 a rocketship instantly. Mercedes and Lewis Hamilton are still negotiating on his contract extension and Toto Wolff opens up about the Briton’s contract situation.
Toto Wolff on Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes contract extension situation
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Mercedes and Hamilton are working on a contract extension. However, Toto Wolff explained how it’s not that simple. With the Silver Arrows and Lewis Hamilton having a bond much more than that of a driver and team, it’s difficult to gauge the financial terms. It’s like having an awkward conversation with your best friend about money. Wolff explains how Hamilton’s manager is being used as the intermediary and is used to convey these financial messages to both ends.
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22.07.2022, Circuit Paul Ricard, Le Castellet, FORMULA 1 LENOVO GRAND PRIX DE FRANCE 2021 , im Bild Lewis Hamilton GBR, Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team und Teamchef und Geschäftsführer Toto Wolff Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team sitzen am Kommandostand und schauen Nyck de Vries NEL, Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team bei der Arbeit zu. Foto EU-Images Le Castellet Circuit Paul Ricard France *** 22 07 2022, Circuit Paul Ricard, Le Castellet, FORMULA 1 LENOVO GRAND PRIX DE FRANCE 2021 , in picture Lewis Hamilton GBR , Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula One Team and Team Principal and Managing Director Toto Wolff Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team sit at the command post and watch Nyck de Vries NEL , Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula One Team at work Photo EU Images Le Castellet Circuit Paul Ricard France PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY eu-images-506
According to ESPN.com, Toto Wolff said, “It’s super awkward. Every three years we know that we have this moment. And it’s like negotiating financial terms with your best friend, with a close friend.” Further adding, “At the end of the day, talking about money with your friend is difficult. Penny [Thow, Hamilton’s manager] helps. Penny has been keeping us in check and we have found a good modus operandi with her about how we talk. We avoid talking to each other about money but we both talk to Penny.”
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Watch this Story: Will Lewis Hamilton Consider a Move to Ferrari if Mercedes Doesn’t Deliver?
What do you make of Jenson Button’s comments on Lewis Hamilton’s situation?
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