Reports in Italian media claim Mercedes and Lewis Hamilton remain apart on terms as contract talks continue.
The six-time world champion is a free agent after 2020 but recent deals for Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc at Red Bull and Ferrari respectively have limited the German manufacturer’s options to replace him.
That means Hamilton may have a little more leverage in talks and Correre Della Sport claims the Briton is demanding a four-year contract at $60m per year, as a result.
By contrast, other reports have stated the two sides were close to agreeing to a two-year extension until the end of 2022.
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Those terms may present a problem for Mercedes, however, with the long-term future of the works team still uncertain and the salary demands are steep given new Daimler CEO Ola Kallenius is aiming to reduce costs.
However, Mercedes are believed to be considering Hamilton’s terms if he agrees not to consider any future moves to rival teams and become an ambassador upon his likely retirement.
Why likely? Well if Lewis’ proposed contract did come to fruition, he would be 39 by its conclusion.