Will Lewis Hamilton leave F1 at the end of 2020?

Then there is Toto Wolff himself. The Austrian is currently involved in his negotiations with the parent company Daimler regarding his future role.

Earlier this year, Wolff discovered life beyond F1 which opened his eyes to the possible dilution of his current position, with things made more complicated by the fact that he is a 30% shareholder of the Mercedes F1 team.

Hamilton has developed a strong and comfortable bond with Wolff over the years, to such an extent that the last time they sat together to discuss terms on the current deal that was conducted in the former’s apartment in Munich, and on a Pizza.

Wolff has at least informed Hamilton that he has no plans to leave Mercedes. Knowing that he will be in place somehow will have been at least reassuring for the six-time F1 champion.

The main problem, of course, are the terms of the new agreement. Hamilton is intended to earn in the region of $ 30-35 million annually. As with any new contract, it’s reasonable to assume that Hamilton would want a pay raise in recognition not only of his seniority with the team but also of his surprising success, claiming the record for most race wins from Schumacher this one. year, while also equaling the milestone of the legendary German title.

At any other time, this contract would probably have been signed a long time ago. The problem for Daimler is the uncertain nature of a future affected by COVID. Like any company, it has to cut its clothes accordingly and the auto industry has naturally been badly affected.