LEWIS HAMILTON’S delay in agreeing a new contract with Mercedes has become ’embarrassing’, according to Ralf Schumacher.
The Brit equalled Ralf’s brother Michael’s record of seven world championship titles last year.
Lewis Hamilton is yet to put pen to paper on a contract to race in 2021Credit: PA:Press Association
Ralf Schumacher, with brother Michael, believes a deal should have been signed by nowCredit: AFP
But a deal to race in 2021 is still yet to be signed, making the defending champ the last driver on the grid to agree to race next season.
For Schumacher, the delay has gone on long enough.
He is quoted by Speedweek as describing the situation as: “A shame and almost a bit embarrassing.”
He added: “It’s February now, and the most important man in Formula One, the seven-time world champion, has still not been confirmed.
“I always hear that it’s all about the money, but I hope that’s not true.
“Hamilton in particular, given his humanitarian streak, has to understand that you cannot demand 100 per cent in these times.
“And Hamilton also has to be clear – Formula One is bigger than any individual.
“Maybe Hamilton should give himself a jolt now.”
Schumacher, who won six F1 races during a decade-long career in the sport, also reminded Hamilton that Mercedes are not tied to the 36-year-old.
George Russell impressed when replacing Hamilton for a race last year.
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And the German believes the ‘risk’ of being permanently dropped for a younger driver is something the defending champ should ‘never forget’.
Reports this week suggested Merc have given their star a one-month deadline to put pen to paper.
Team boss Toto Wolff said recently that an agreement will be reached ‘soon’ but ruled out a three-year contract.
Former F1 chief Eddie Jordan has told SunSport that he believes Hamilton wants to negotiate a better cut of sponsorship and TV money.
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff reveals Lewis Hamilton arguing with Mercedes and curveballs thrown at lawyers in messy contract saga
Source: Motorsport - thesun.co.uk
