Lewis Hamilton was predicted to defeat Max Verstappen and avenge the painful 2021 finale last season. All of this, however, was not possible since Mercedes struggled to adapt to the new rules, and their underwhelming performance, along with Ferrari’s reliability woes, gave Max Verstappen an easy championship triumph. However, despite their challenging time, the team never lacked the one crucial trait that the self-centered Max Verstappen assimilated in himself, and the Silver Arrows are still advancing with the same objectives.

Mercedes W-14 was unveiled today, and the team also brought back the 2021 black livery as the cherry on top. The Silver Arrows’ livery is already a winning symbol for the group because they were undefeated in both seasons as they drove black cars. The black livery, however, was implemented in 2020 and 2021 as a protest against racism. To make things even more thrilling, the Mercedes’ alpha drivers Lewis Hamilton and George Russell will be testing the vehicle in the Northamptonshire Circuits for the first time.

In the middle of all of these encouraging developments, Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff has developed certain principles for the team’s future season. The Austrian stated at the car unveiling event, “Our hopes and expectations are always to be capable of fighting for a world championship. However, our competitors were very strong last year, and we are playing catch-up.” He continued by saying, “Racing at the front requires resilience, teamwork, and determination. We face up to every challenge, we put the team first, and we will leave no stone unturned in the chase for every millisecond.” 

Here, Toto Wolff is subtly mocking Max Verstappen and company. At the Brazilian GP last year, we all witnessed how the Dutchman refused to give up his position to Sergio Perez, despite the fact that the 25-year-old had already won the championship and Checo was vying for second place with Charles Leclerc of Ferrari. Indirectly, the episode demonstrates that Max Verstappen was selfish that day.

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Since the winter break is over, the major concern for all Mercedes and Lewis Hamilton followers is whether the seven-time champion’s contract will be renewed. Don’t worry if the concept of it gives you anxiety; Toto Wolff will clarify it for us.

Toto Wolff shed light on Lewis Hamilton’s contract extension

The contract extension of sports megastar Sir Lewis Hamilton has been a huge issue for the Mercedes organization. Since Hamilton’s current contract will expire this year, he will require a new one in order to continue working for the team. In addition, some rumors claim that the 38-year-old demanded an annual salary of $74 million besides ambassadorial responsibilities.

German manufacturers, however, disputed this claim, and at the premiere, when Wolff was questioned about Hamilton’s contract renewal, he told media including PlanetF1.com, “I think, as I said before, [with] Lewis we’ve done a few of these contracts in the past. And they [have] changed little from iteration to iteration. So it’s not usually complex, apart from the obvious terms. But no, we’ve had a first chat but I don’t want to commit to any timeline, because it’s not important for him nor for us at that stage. It [the contract] runs a full year, and we’re going to try to find the right time.”

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Last year, Mercedes demonstrated a resurgence, but by the time they made the necessary adjustments, it was too late. Red Bull is nonetheless aware that the Silver Arrows will make a strong comeback this season. Having said that, do you think that Hamilton can win his eighth world championship this year?