Introduction

The future of Lewis Hamilton's contract with Mercedes F1 has been a subject of considerable speculation and debate. With Hamilton potentially entering the final years of his career, the bid to secure him remains a priority for the team. This article delves into the details of what Hamilton's deal might look like in 2021 and beyond, exploring the key issues and potential outcomes.

Potential Deal Scenarios

Yearly Contract and Extended Options

Mercedes F1 aims to secure Hamilton for at least 2021 to ensure he wins the 8th World Title. Both Hamilton and Mercedes share this goal, which would bring immense bragging rights and global publicity. The main challenge lies in the contract money and future options.

Contract Costs and Bonuses

MERCHANTABILITY Mercedes would likely request that Hamilton reduce his contract cost for 2021, given their guarantee of a title. Conversely, Hamilton might seek a high salary and additional bonuses, contingent on success in 2022. Other factors, such as the fight against racism and the potential for a championship-winning car, contribute to the complexities of the negotiation.

Possible Outcome

Two-Year Contract with Extension Option

A two-year contract with an extension option seems most likely. This structure ensures stability for Mercedes while leaving room for flexibility. It may also include an option for Mercedes to promote Russell to the team in 2022, a move that Hamilton may not veto.

High Salary and Additional Incentives

A salary ranging from 80M to 90M for both years is highly plausible, with additional bonuses conditioned on performance. Hamilton has expressed a desire for a championship-winning car, particularly in 2020 or 2021, and a free access to the upcoming Mercedes Project One car.

Addressing Concerns and Publicity Issues

PR and Employee Concerns

One of the main sticking points is the PR disaster resulting from Daimler’s recent layoffs. Hamilton’s significant salary could appear out of place given the economic downturn and the plight of many employees. Additional bonuses and performance incentives can help mitigate this issue.

Stability and Future Ambassadors

A three-year deal is another possibility, providing stability for both parties. In the case of failure to secure a competitive car, there could be clauses for Hamilton to step into an ambassadorial role, similar to what was done with Nico Rosberg and Jenson Button. This approach would preserve his legendary status.

Conclusion

Lewis Hamilton's future with Mercedes F1 is far from guaranteed, but the team’s ambition to secure him remains strong. The coming months will reveal the details of the contract, with Hamilton’s exceptional driving skills and global impact likely to be at the center of the negotiations. As the Formula One world watches, the outcome promises to be exciting and consequential for both Hamilton and Mercedes.