Ferrari surge makes new Lewis Hamilton/Mercedes F1 deal critical
Mercedes Formula 1 team boss Toto Wolff says it is now crucial for his team to agree a new contract with Lewis Hamilton amid its increasing battle with Ferrari
The reigning world champion's current three-year deal expires at the end of the season.
Both Wolff and Hamilton have insisted on a number of occasions over recent weeks that a deal is close but there has been no formal announcement.
Asked if it was becoming critical for Mercedes to re-sign Hamilton amid the growing threat from Ferrari, Wolff replied: "Of course, Lewis is a factor and an exceptional guy in the car.
"I think like always in life it needs to be a win-win situation and at the moment it is a win-win situation.
"We have a very quick guy in the car and we have a very quick car.
"We have a solid foundation in the team; we have built an organisation which can be successful on a sustainable basis long term.
"With Ferrari bouncing back very strongly, it's a win-win [to keep Hamilton]."
Hamilton currently leads the world championship by 27 points over team-mate Nico Rosberg following three victories from the first four grands prix of 2015.
Rosberg signed a multi-year contract extension mid-way through last season.
Shortly afterwards, Mercedes and Hamilton agreed to postpone their talks over a new deal until the 2014 championship fight was out of the way.
Share Or Save This Story
F1 testing: Max Verstappen feels 'big difference' in 2018 Red Bull
Williams F1's Oliver Rowland to test Super Formula car at Suzuka
Why F1's under-fire rookie is already causing surprises
Why some F1 team bosses think drivers shouldn't have a say in the rules
How Bearman is already securing his Ferrari F1 future
How the Japanese GP Hamilton-Norris battle highlighted a flaw in 2026 F1 rules
"We love V8s" - What F1 manufacturers think about future engine regulations
How Leclerc’s hardest critic is always himself
Leclerc handed huge Miami GP penalty after battle with Verstappen and Russell
Formula E Monaco E-Prix: Rowland reignites title challenge with first win of 2025-26
MotoGP Catalan GP: Di Giannantonio wins chaotic Barcelona race
Nurburgring 24 Hours: Mercedes win despite late failure for Verstappen Racing
How F1's ADUO system works
Subscribe and access Autosport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
Top Comments