Uncomplicated Clauses in $127,000,000 Deal Ignored by Rosberg to Accuse Hamilton of Leaving Wolff High & Dry in Foreseeable Future

For ardent fans of Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes, the moment the Stevenage native clinched his 7th world title likely stands as one of the most cherished in his career. However, the period just before the final lap at Abu Dhabi was also filled with suspense. But during this year when Hamilton and Toto Wolff remained tight-lipped about the contract extension of the Mercedes legend, fans held their breath. Anyways now that F1’s biggest star has inked an uncomplicated $127 million deal with the Silver Arrows, there is relief. Yet what caught many fans’ and experts’ attention was the duration of the deal.

Nevertheless, a former rival of Hamilton suggests that this agreement may not guarantee future success for the Mercedes team. In an indirect critique of the British driver, ex-teammate Nico Rosberg implies that Hamilton’s decisions could potentially leave Toto Wolff and the team vulnerable in the coming years.

Nico Rosberg Hits out at Lewis Hamilton

Last Thursday, Mercedes announced the successful extension of Hamilton’s contract with the Brackley-based team. While the news was met with joy, it also raised questions about why Toto Wolff and the team were not in favor of a long-term commitment with escape clauses. According to Sky Sports F1, as quoted by Motorsport.com, Toto Wolff has clarified the reasoning behind this approach. The Austrian emphasized that the team is delighted to have extended their contract with the British driver.

However, the decision to opt for a short-term deal was driven by a desire to maintain flexibility for both parties in the future, without the need for complex exit clauses that can complicate matters in the event of mutual agreement termination. In his own words, the team boss stated, “This is a dynamic environment and signing a five-year contract means that you need to discuss about [if] there is any escape clause in case we’re not providing him with a car that is performing. So, we didn’t entertain that. We said we see the foreseeable future is two years. And that’s what we are committing to each other.”

The contract that both sides seem to have relied upon has become a subject of discussion within the F1 paddock. More significantly, it has presented an opportunity for Nico Rosberg to share his perspective. Rosberg suggests that the absence of an escape clause doesn’t necessarily guarantee a driver’s or a team’s loyalty. He goes on to argue that in the realm of motorsports, nothing is assured until the contract is officially signed and sealed.

According to crash.net, Nico said, “It’s never done until here’s a pen to paper, and even then in F1 even that sometimes doesn’t mean much.” Taking shots at Hamilton, the German said, “For Lewis, you never know though because he is 38 now. The time might come one day where he does prefer to be on the beach or something so it is not 100 percent, but it looks like he is still enjoying himself.” 

READ MORE: F1 Champ Believes Lewis Hamilton & Mercedes’ Internal Fight for Money Caused Delay in $127,000,000 Contract 

The query raised by the 2016 champion has likely resonated with many experts, especially considering the recent instances of teams parting ways with drivers before their contracts concluded. Although, Lewis Hamilton’s relationship with Mercedes is of a unique caliber. In line with this perspective, Toto Wolff has shared his thoughts.

Toto Wolff discusses the foresight of Lewis Hamilton’s Formula 1 career

Hamilton’s contract extension ensures he’ll race for Mercedes well into his 40s, a logical choice given the preferential treatment he’s received. This includes the team’s support for his social advocacy, which sets Mercedes apart. Despite recent challenges, Hamilton’s loyalty and motivational impact on the team remain unwavering. With over a decade at Mercedes, Toto Wolff is confident he won’t seek another team.

As per motorsports.com, the Mercedes boss said, “I think first of all, his role with the team will go on for a longer period even when he decides not to drive anymore.” Hoping for a happy ending to Lewis Hamilton’s career in F1 by trying to highlight the relationship of both the parties Wolff added, “I can’t see him driving for another team and he’s going to be always this iconic racing driver and personality outside [the sport], so I very much hope that our careers and our journey continues beyond the racing.”

Will the dynamic duo of Toto Wolff and Lewis Hamilton be able to restore Mercedes to its glory?

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