Lewis Hamilton future plunged into doubt as Mercedes chiefs refuse demands

Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes future has spiralled into doubt as a significant stumbling block in his demands delays contract talks. The Brit is one of the all-time F1 greats, but it’s currently unclear where he will be racing or whether he will even be on the grid next season.

In January, Mercedes boss Toto Wolff suggested that there would be no issues renewing Hamilton’s contract beyond 2023.

And Hamilton has also gone on record to claim that contract talks are going as planned, with the process now at the seven-month mark.

But according to the Mail, the 38-year-old wants a new long-term deal with the Silver Arrows, including a bonus as guaranteed income.

Mercedes, though, are only willing to sanction a one-year contract with the option for a second, putting pressure on Hamilton to lower his demands to extend his stay.

Another major hurdle is the seven-time world champion’s hopes of securing a 10-year deal as a Mercedes brand ambassador.

Hamilton wants a £20million-a-year role on top of his eye-watering racing contract, currently worth £27.5m per year with a £15m bonus if he wins the Drivers’ Championship.

Max Verstappen’s early-season dominance however has left Hamilton with a 1/100 chance of clinching a record-breaking eighth crown. His salary is the second-highest on the grid behind the staggering £43m-a-year basic guaranteed fee Red Bull pay Verstappen.

And the report states that Mercedes are unwilling to accept Hamilton’s £200m ambassador demands, which is proving problematic. Despite current concerns, Sky Sports F1 commentator David Croft is confident that Mercedes will come to an agreement with Hamilton.