Lewis Hamilton predicts tough contract talks with McLaren, but expects no problems
Lewis Hamilton is anticipating tough negotiations with McLaren over a new contract to run from the start of next year
The 2008 world champion is out of contract at the end of the season and McLaren Group chairman Ron Dennis hinted in Canada that the economic situation will affect the pay it can offer Hamilton.
Both sides insist that there is no rush to conclude a deal, and Hamilton is optimistic that negotiations will go smoothly from now.
"Ron is a very tough negotiator," said Hamilton when asked about Dennis's comments.
"He was very tough when they negotiated the contract that they have now and I expect him to be the same when we go back in.
"But I don't see there being many problems, to be honest."
Hamilton has said several times that he does not want contract talks to distract him from his driving this season.
He leads the world championship off the back of his first win of the year in Canada two weeks ago. But despite wanting to add to his victory tally, he is willing to take a more calculating approach to ensure that he continues to score consistently.
"I still want to win every race," he said. "It is just that you have to be perhaps a little more strategic with your approach this year.
"We have seen seven different winners and both me and Fernando [Alonso] have scored in every race. But the championship is so close.
"I don't think there is too much of a different approach, but you have to be a little more sensible this year."
Previous article
Kimi Raikkonen admits not winning yet is disappointing
Next article
Fernando Alonso relaxed about identity of future Ferrari team-mate
About this article
| Series | Formula 1 |
| Drivers | Lewis Hamilton |
| Teams | McLaren |
| Author | Jonathan Noble |
Starting Grid for the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix
F1 Fast Facts: Emilia Romagna Grand Prix
Why Russell was right to be wrong about Bottas after Imola F1 clash
George Russell and Valtteri Bottas' collision at Imola on Sunday prompted fury in the Formula 1 paddock. But Russell's carefully-worded heartfelt statement later, acknowledging that his initial response was wrong, proved the right move
How Verstappen and Hamilton’s Imola clash sets the tone for F1’s 2021 title fight
In Max Verstappen's Formula 1 career to date, he has been cast as the 'pretender', an acknowledged top-line performer without the car to regularly challenge Lewis Hamilton. But that no longer applies in 2021, and the start to the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix was the most telling signal yet of what we can expect from their duel this year
How “overwhelming” McLaren move has given Ricciardo a new verve
Daniel Ricciardo has found a new lease of life at McLaren – a move that’s been years in the making, as he explains to STUART CODLING…
The German legend who raced and beat Nuvolari
Ninety years ago, Rudolf Caracciola became the first non-Italian to win the epic Mille Miglia. We look at how he stacks up to the most famous pre-war ace Tazio Nuvolari, one of the drivers he beat on that day in 1931
How 2021's midfielders have taken lessons from F1's top teams
Formula 1’s latest Imola adventure turned into an expensive trip for many teams due to several crashes throughout the weekend. While balancing the books is an added factor in 2021 with the cost cap, a few midfield teams have cashed in early on development investments
Emilia Romagna Grand Prix Driver Ratings
A frantic wet race at Imola produced plenty of excitement and drama as drivers scrabbled for grip. Amid the hatful of mistakes and incidents that ensued, who kept their noses cleanest?
How the Emilia Romagna GP result hinged on three crucial saves
Rain before the start of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix promised to spice up the action, and the race certainly delivered on that. Max Verstappen got the best launch to win from Lewis Hamilton, but both got away with mistakes that could have had serious consequences
The back-bedroom world-beater that began a new F1 era
The first in a line of world beaters was designed in a back bedroom and then constructed in a shed. STUART CODLING recalls the Tyrrell 001
