F1 Rumour: Lewis Hamilton's Expensive Contract Tempts Mercedes To Consider Replacements
Seven-time F1 champion Lewis Hamilton's contract with Mercedes has been under scrutiny recently, especially with the difficulties the Brackley-based squad are facing and his contract due to expire at the end of the year. According to F1 reporter Matthew Syed, Hamilton's reported £60 million contract could tempt the team to look for replacements.
Whilst writing in a column for The Times, Syed explained:
“This is why the question of his future is so tantalising. He benefited hugely from the world-class engineering at Mercedes in the good years and doubtless feels a sense of loyalty.
“But with one season left on his contract, he may be wondering whether there is a different ride out there that may enable him to leave on a high.”
Hamilton made his F1 debut in 2007 with McLaren where is won his first championship in 2008. The British driver made the move to Mercedes in 2013 where he has been for the last ten years and where he won six of his seven championship titles.
There has been speculation over Hamilton moving to Red Bull to drive alongside rival Max Verstappen, however, team chief Christian Horner has rejected those claims saying they are happy with the current driver line-up. Syed continued:
“It’s unlikely he would gain a berth at Red Bull, but the prospect of Hamilton and Verstappen going head to head in the same car – the ageing maestro against the audacious pretender – is a storyline that could take the sport to a new level.
“Perhaps there’s also a chance that Mercedes can get their act together, find a way of getting the car up to speed.
“The teamwork between driver and engineers may find renewed life, giving Hamilton a shot at the dream he craves.
“It is also possible – and many Hamilton detractors have raised this prospect – that Mercedes may end the relationship at the end of this season, given the expense of his reported £60million contract.”