AT this stage of a new year, driver line-ups have usually been sorted out for some time. However, Lewis Hamilton is still to sign on the dotted line to be on the 2021 grid.
There is every expectation that Hamilton will be a Mercedes driver this year but it has taken far longer to confirm that it should.
Of course there is a minute chance that the seven times champion could stroll off into retirement. But it is highly unlikely that Hamilton would opt for a Rosberg-esque shock departure.
What exactly then is the hold-up? Most reports suggest that contract length and total value are the biggest sticking points between the parties. Let’s dispel one of those straight away.
If Hamilton were to ask for a three-year contract it is likely that Merc would acquiesce. There is no logical reason why the team would not want to hold onto Hamilton for as long as they can. His unfailing ability to perform, without making mistakes, is not something which is that commonplace up and down the paddock, least of all on the other side of the garage.
Valtteri Bottas had several off days in 2020 and because of that there is a risk in slotting him into the ‘team leader’ position. So if Merc had to replace a driver they would likely choose to lose Bottas instead and ensure the persistent stability that Hamilton offers.
So it isn’t about the length of the contract then. It is highly probable that Hamilton and his management team has asked for an eye-watering amount of money. With seven world championship trophies on his mantle his is certainly within his rights to do so.
But 2020 and the pandemic presented Merc with an unprecedented opportunity.
Hamilton’s COVID-19 diagnosis and his absence from the Sakhir Grand Prix allowed Merc to test George Russell in the high-pressure environment of a race weekend.
Not only did Russell nearly secure pole position but he also brilliantly handled all that was thrown his way in the race. He proved, unequivocally, that he is ready to step up.
This allowed Mercedes to improve their bargaining power against Hamilton. It goes without saying that Toto Wolff and Merc would want to keep Hamilton in the car. But they are now armed with the information that Russell is ready and able to perform at the highest level.
This has allowed Mercedes to be in a position where they do not have to blink on Hamilton’s contract demands.
In effect, they’re letting Hamilton know that there is a highly talented replacement more than ready and able to take his place.
The proverbial ball is in Hamilton’s court but it is startlingly clear that Mercedes are in the superior position. In all likelihood Hamilton will eventually sign a new contract to remain with Mercedes. But there is always the slightest chance that he could call it a day.
