Motorsport

IF Lewis Hamilton’s new contract taught us anything, it is that Mercedes are already planning for life without him behind the wheel.
An admirable partnership has been inserted into his 10-month deal that will help his and Merc’s push for greater diversity in motorsport.

F1 world champ Lewis Hamilton has signed a new 10-month Mercedes deal but the German team need to consider who can succeed himCredit: Getty Images – Getty

It also has all the hallmarks of Hamilton feathering his nest for life after F1 when he is no longer challenging for titles.
He will be 37 six days after his latest deal expires, which could also be his last, so who would Mercedes replace him with?
Here SunSport looks at five potential candidates.
Max Verstappen

Red Bull’s Max Verstappen would surely be Mercedes’ dream replacement when all-time great Lewis Hamilton finally departsCredit: AFP
The Dutchman would be top of Mercedes’ wish list and the obvious pick to replace the current world champion.

We know Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has checked on Verstappen’s availability in the past only to come up against a determined Red Bull, who have quickly shut down the chances for Verstappen to jump ship.
Supremely quick and ruthless when required, Verstappen has now cut out the mistakes and is currently the next best thing to Hamilton.
George Russell

Brit starlet George Russell would offer Mercedes continuity, having long been a reserve and test driver for the German teamCredit: Getty Images – Getty
A ready-made replacement for his countryman, Russell has been part of the team for years as a reserve and test driver. He knows all the key players within the team, understands the systems and processes, so would offer Merc continuity.
We know he is quick as he proved that when he filled in for Hamilton at the Sakhir GP. The only doubt is whether he can deliver at the same rate as Hamilton for as yet he’s only scored three points, let alone a victory.

Charles Leclerc

LeClerc has been hugely impressive at FerrariCredit: PA:Press Association
Mature beyond his 23 years, Leclerc carried Ferrari last season. He delivered results in a terrible car and completely out-classed his former teammate and four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel.
Of course, like Verstappen, he is not part of the Mercedes stable, but if they are able to promise and deliver him a car capable of fighting for wins in 2022, he’d be interested in making the switch from red to silver.
Lando Norris

Norris is making good progress at McLarenCredit: Splash News
Bags and bags of potential and a fascinating character to boot. Norris has it all in his locker, he just needs to find the right team to unlock his potential.
He is making fantastic progress at McLaren but given a dominant car, the Brit would be able to mix it with the best on the grid.
He is under contract at McLaren but is paid considerably less than his peers.

The ten greatest F1 drivers of all-time – according to SunSport’s motorsport correspondent Ben Hunt
Mick Schumacher

Mick Schumacher makes his F1 debut this yearCredit: Splash News
There will be a huge amount of attention on Michael Schumacher’s son as he makes his debut in 2021 for the Haas F1 team.
Schumacher is there by virtue of his place in the Ferrari Young Driver academy, who will be desperate to keep hold of him should he impress.
However, the lure of a German driver in a German car could prove too irresistible for Mercedes, who would not hesitate to break the bank if they believed he could deliver titles.

Mercedes chief Toto Wolff insists Lewis Hamilton’s new £40m deal was never in doubt More

SPRINT races could replace traditional qualifying in some Grands Prix this season as F1 chiefs consider radical new proposals to spice up the sport.
The idea was mentioned last week by new F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali with the Saturday short races to determine Sunday’s grid.

Lewis Hamilton in qualifying at the Bahrain GPCredit: EPA

It means that on some occasions this year, qualifying will be ditched in favour of the sprint races as opposed to reverse grid races.
The top eight finishers from the new qualifying format would pick up around half the points earned from a traditional race.
The plans will be outlined at a meeting on Thursday with the Canadian, Italian and Brazilian Grands Prix expected to be earmarked for the new format to spice up the action.
Domenicali said last week: “It’s important to think of new ideas to be more attractive or interesting, but no need to lose the traditional approach to racing.

“What we learned when we were changing the qualifying every two days was something that burnt our fingers.
“We need to avoid that, and therefore now I think that the format is quite stable. What we’re looking at is what could be the approach to a so-called Saturday sprint race.
“We’re thinking of testing this already this year. There are ongoing discussions with teams in the right forum.”
Elsewhere, Lewis Hamilton’s one-year Mercedes deal has been labelled as “unusual” by former F1 driver Martin Brundle.

The world champion stalled on signing new terms with the Silver Arrows only to agree a short-term ten-month deal when the expectation was it would be for at least two seasons.
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The ten greatest F1 drivers of all-time – according to SunSport’s motorsport correspondent Ben Hunt

Lewis Hamilton is the highest-paid driver in F1
And Sky Sports F1 commentator Brundle believes is smacks of the duo failing to agree on a long-term solution that has left them with Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas both out of contract at the end of this season.
He said: “I think it is very unusual, the situation alone. It has taken a long time, and for a team and a driver of such stature a one-year deal is unusual.
“It seemed like they couldn’t work it out, but had to force it because the new season is coming up.

“I think they thought the winter tests are coming, we have to do something.
“A one-year deal leaves Lewis, Valtteri and George Russell, the young driver who led of course when Hamilton was sidelined with Covid-19 back in Bahrain, all out of contract at the end of this year.
“Clearly at least one of the parties wanted to keep their options open, I suspect that was Mercedes, so they put it to bed for this year and are saying they will sort 2022 out somewhat earlier.”

Lewis Hamilton SIGNS £40m-a-year Mercedes contract as F1 legend ends speculation over future and terms finally agreed More

LEWIS HAMILTON’s one-year Mercedes deal has been labelled ‘unusual’ by former F1 driver Martin Brundle.
The world champion stalled on signing new terms with the Silver Arrows only to agree a short-term ten-month deal when the expectation was it would be for at least two seasons.

Lewis Hamilton has signed a new short-term deal at MercedesCredit: EPA

Commentator Martin Brundle has labelled Hamilton’s situation ‘unusual’Credit: Getty Images – Getty

And Sky Sports F1 commentator Brundle believes is smacks of the duo failing to agree on a long-term solution that has left them with Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas both out of contract at the end of this season.
He said: “I think it is very unusual, the situation alone. It has taken a long time, and for a team and a driver of such stature a one-year deal is unusual.
“It seemed like they couldn’t work it out, but had to force it because the new season is coming up.
“I think they thought the winter tests are coming, we have to do something.

“A one-year deal leaves Lewis, Valtteri and George Russell, the young driver who led of course when Hamilton was sidelined with Covid-19 back in Bahrain, all out of contract at the end of this year.
“Clearly at least one of the parties wanted to keep their options open, I suspect that was Mercedes, so they put it to bed for this year and are saying they will sort 2022 out somewhat earlier.”
Meanwhile, F1 chiefs will discuss the prospect of Saturday sprint races instead of qualifying at some races this season.
The proposal was mentioned last week by new F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali with the short races to determine Sunday’s grid.

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The ten greatest F1 drivers of all-time – according to SunSport’s motorsport correspondent Ben Hunt
It means that on some occasions this year qualifying will be ditched in favour of the sprint races as opposed to reverse grid races.
The plans will be outlined at a meeting on Thursday with the Canadian, Italian and Brazilian Grands Prix expected to be earmarked for the new format to spice up the action.
Domenicali said last week: “It’s important to think of new ideas to be more attractive or interesting, but no need to lose the traditional approach to racing.

Hamilton is the highest-paid F1 driver

“What we learned when we were changing the qualifying every two days was something that burnt our fingers.
“We need to avoid that, and therefore now I think that the format is quite stable. What we’re looking at is what could be the approach to a so-called Saturday sprint race.
“We’re thinking of testing this already this year. There are ongoing discussions with teams in the right forum.”

Lewis Hamilton SIGNS £40m-a-year Mercedes contract as F1 legend ends speculation over future and terms finally agreed More

LEWIS HAMILTON was spotted out and about in Beverly Hills for the first time after agreeing his £40million 10-month contract with Mercedes.
After months of talks the 36-year-old finally agreed a short-term deal to stay with the Silver Arrows.

Lewis Hamilton was masked up as he cruised around in his MercedesCredit: Splash News

Hamilton was seen out and about for the first time since signing his new Mercedes contractCredit: Splash News

But it means he could leave at the end of next season, one where he goes in search of an eighth world title that would move him clear of the record he currently holds with Michael Schumacher.
Hamilton was spotted cruising around California in his white Mercedes AMG-GT R Roadster complete with face mask.
He then swapped his stuff out of the £179,000 supercar into another – a Tesla to take him to the airport.
Unsurprisingly, Hamilton has enjoyed travelling in a bit of luxuruy on his US break.

He sported a white face mask before peeling away in his £140,000 2000 Porsche Taycan Turbo S at the weekend.
Hamilton has been relaxing in California as he continues his recovery from coronavirus.
The former McLaren driver tested positive less than 24 hours after winning the Bahrain Grand Prix in November.
Speaking about his new deal at Mercedes, Hamilton said: “I am excited to be heading into my ninth season with my Mercedes team-mates.

The 36-year-old will go in search of a record-breaking eighth title next seasonCredit: Splash News

Hamilton has been relaxing in California after the season finishedCredit: Splash News

The Formula 1 ace then transferred into a Tesla

The ten greatest F1 drivers of all-time – according to SunSport’s motorsport correspondent Ben Hunt

“Our team has achieved incredible things together and we look forward to building on our success even further, while continuously looking to improve, both on and off the track.
“I’m equally determined to continue the journey we started to make motorsport more diverse for future generations and I am grateful that Mercedes has been extremely supportive of my call to address this issue.
“I’m proud to say we are taking that effort further this year by launching a foundation dedicated to diversity and inclusion in the sport.
“I am inspired by all that we can build together and can’t wait to get back on the track in March.”

The British racer will reportedly earn £40m for his 10-month contractCredit: Splash News

Lewis Hamilton SIGNS £40m-a-year Mercedes contract as F1 legend ends speculation over future and terms finally agreed More

TOTO WOLFF has opened up on Lewis Hamilton’s new Mercedes contract and insisted he never doubted the world champion would sign it.
Talks between the two rumbled on for much longer than anticipated with rumours that Hamilton was holding out for more money and a share of the team’s TV money.

Lewis Hamilton has agreed a ten-month deal with Mercedes for the 2021 seasonCredit: Getty Images – Getty

But Wolff has rubbished those suggestions and insisted that he has NOT requested a veto inserted into his contract that would block Merc moving for Max Verstappen.
He said: “This time, getting the contract signed was more complex because we could not see each other, but there were not huge gaps or discrepancies from how we would see this new contract.
“Overall it was a few weeks that we spent on video conferencing, seeing each other every few days and then obviously the lawyers had to put that down into a contract.
“But no, there was not a moment where we thought he would not sign. There was never a moment where he doubted.

“And on these specific clauses that were out there in the media, I don’t know where it came from because none of it is true.
“I read about this and found it interesting the perspectives but the truth is there was not a discussion about any driver-specific clause he has never asked for that in the last eight years and it is a team decision.
“And the other clause about the revenue split or share, came out of nowhere.
“That rumour was baseless too so none of that was every part of our discussions.”

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The ten greatest F1 drivers of all-time – according to SunSport’s motorsport correspondent Ben Hunt

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has stated he was never in doubt Hamilton would agree a contract extensionCredit: PA:Press Association

Lewis Hamilton is F1’s biggest earner
While he would not confirm the £40million figure Hamilton is reportedly being paid, Wolff says the amount of money Hamilton was commanding was never an issue.
He added: “It is the third contract that we have been discussing so it is not as though we needed to start from scratch, but it is an important contract.
“It is important because of this season and how we want to position ourselves from 2022 onwards and how is his thinking.
“Lewis has always recognised that this is a difficult period. Difficult in the sense it is difficult for everybody from a health point of view.
“There are much more important topics than Formula One racing and also the auto industry is in a transformation phase, so the money topic wasn’t a sticking point.”

Lewis Hamilton SIGNS £40m-a-year Mercedes contract as F1 legend ends speculation over future and terms finally agreed More

LEWIS HAMILTON has signed a bumper new one-year £40million Mercedes contract which is over double his highest paid rival Max Verstappen’s annual wage.
The Brit, who had been out of contract since January 1, has committed to Mercedes for 12 more months.

Lewis Hamilton is F1’s biggest earner

His deal includes a charitable donation to help increase diversity in F1.
And the £40m figure is understood to include all bonuses and add-ons.
Record breaking Hamilton is by far the sport’s highest earner with Red Bull’s Dutch star Verstappen coming in at second-place with his £18.2m-a-year deal.
Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and Daniel Ricciardo at McLaren are tied third with their £10.19m annual wage.

And Leclerc’s team-mate Carlos Sainz and Aston Martin’s Sebastian Vettel complete the top six earning £7.28m every 12 months.
Former world champion Fernando Alonso pockets a cool £6.55m-a-year with Hamilton’s team-mate Valtteri Bottas collecting less than 20 per cent of the Brit’s salary at £5.82m.
Red Bull’s Sergio Perez and Alfa Romeo’s Kimi Raikkonen bring up the rear with £4.37m and £3.64m respectively.
Hamilton, 36, will go into his 15th season in F1 looking to win a record eighth world title – surpassing the joint-record he currently holds with Michael Schumacher.

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Hamilton already holds the record for the most wins (95), pole positions (98) and podium finishes (165).
Mercedes say the new deal will ‘form of a joint charitable foundation, which will have the mission of supporting greater diversity and inclusion in all its forms in motorsport’.
Hamilton said: “I am excited to be heading into my ninth season with my Mercedes team-mates.
“Our team has achieved incredible things together and we look forward to building on our success even further, while continuously looking to improve, both on and off the track.
“I’m equally determined to continue the journey we started to make motorsport more diverse for future generations and I am grateful that Mercedes has been extremely supportive of my call to address this issue.
“I’m proud to say we are taking that effort further this year by launching a foundation dedicated to diversity and inclusion in the sport.
“I am inspired by all that we can build together and can’t wait to get back on the track in March.”
Testing in Bahrain gets underway on March 12 with the season opener in the desert two weeks later.

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