British Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton has started negotiations to renew his contract with Mercedes.
“I plan to stay a little bit longer,” Hamilton said during the unveiling of the 2023 season car at Silverstone.
The Austrian, Toto Wolf, team manager, added that talks had begun regarding the renewal of Hamilton’s contract, according to which he receives 40 million pounds per season ($ 48 million), which expires at the end of the year.
He said in this regard: “We had an initial conversation, but I do not want to set any timetable (for the renewal date). This is not important for him or us. His current contract lasts for a full year and we will find the right time.”
He continued, “We have entered into some of these contracts in the past and they are not usually complicated except for the known terms.”
Hamilton turned 38 last month, and if his contract is renewed, it will end at the age of forty.
But Wolf considered that the perception of people who are considered “old” in modern sports should be reconsidered.
He added, “Age doesn’t play any role in the next decade. If you look at how well top athletes have pushed their limits, I think of (recently retired American football player) Tom Brady who was 45 and was still on the field and getting tackled and fouled.” .
The British “Sir” finished last season in the worst position in his career, coming sixth, and is setting his sights on achieving an eighth world title to break the record partnership with German legend Michael Schumacher.