“There’s a Bit of Jousting Going On” – F1 Chief Brawn on Mercedes-Lewis Hamilton Contract

With just about a month to go for F1 winter testing in Bahrain, an official announcement concerning Lewis Hamilton is much awaited. As it stands, that Mercedes cockpit is the only one without a confirmed driver, with the other seats sorted for the 2021 F1 season.

Recent reports, though, have suggested that a deal is close to completion, which means Hamilton could now continue for at least another year. F1 managing director Ross Brawn, among many others, certainly believes that Lewis should carry on in the sport.

Brawn stated, “It’s up to Mercedes and Lewis to find their solution, but it would be a great shame for Lewis (to stop). I don’t imagine for a moment that it’s going to happen.”

Lewis Hamilton is an influential character and good for F1, said Brawn

“I think Lewis loves the sport too much, Mercedes like Lewis too much. There’s a bit of jousting going on, clearly, between Toto and Lewis, and that’s all part of the entertainment!”

Hamilton clearly has a solid foundation with both team boss Toto Wolff and Mercedes. Moreover, the 36-year-old’s long-standing success means he is a key player to F1’s brand value as well.

Brawn continued, “He is an influential character, he’s good for our sport and probably one of the few megastars that we have in Formula 1 today. So for all sorts of reasons we want him to continue and I want him to continue.”

Could Hamilton take that all-important step towards achieving his eighth F1 title?

The new contract in place reportedly offers Hamilton spaces on his racing overalls for marketing opportunities. In addition, there is a probable clause that suggests the Briton would have a say on who his teammate at Mercedes should be.

Regardless, the most important element here is that Hamilton would finally have a golden opportunity at creating history. And that would not be just another record, but a shot at the most number of F1 drivers’ championships, which would essentially make him the champion of champions.

Therefore, we cannot wait any longer for racing to resume in March. With a lot to play for at stake, it could just become one of the most fascinating seasons the F1 community has seen in a long time.

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